A TALENTED student has been recognised for her academic success and voluntary work with a prize given to commemorate a politician who championed education in the region.

Courteney Ayre, a pupil at Apollo Studio Academy, Peterlee, was announced as the fifth winner of the annual Lord Glenamara Memorial Prize, given in memory of former Deputy Prime Minister and Newcastle Central MP Ted Short.

Education Secretary Justine Greening presented Courteney with the award at a reception held at Imperial College London and confirmed that the Year 12 student will now undertake a two-day work experience programme at the Department for Education’s offices in London.

After hearing that she had been selected as the stand-out candidate from entrants in years 11 and 12 across the region, the aspiring primary school teacher paid tribute to the work of local organisations, such as the Durham-based Bridge Young Carers project.

Courteney impressed judges with her academic and extra-curricular achievements, which include involvement in induction and mentoring of new students and being being involved with the Bridge Young Carers project.

Education Secretary Justine Greening said: “There were so many excellent entrants put forward for this year’s prize and they should all be celebrated. However, having read Courteney’s nomination, it is clear why she stood out – Courteney should be proud of her many achievements.”

Courteney said: “I feel highly honoured to be nominated for, and subsequently chosen, to receive this outstanding award. “If it wasn’t for the tireless effort put in by my teachers, family and friends I would still be shy, and therefore unable to even be considered for an award like this.

“I feel very grateful that I was introduced to The Bridge Young Carers Project and would like to use this award to highlight how important services like these are to young people that are living in a caring role.”