A TEENAGER who has been backed by an organisation that supports youngsters from military families has been selected to take part in a Remembrance service at the Royal Albert Hall.

Lauren Eckersley, 15, from Northallerton, has attended 10 different schools but is now enjoying her studies at Outwood Academy, Ripon, thanks to the support of Her Majesty's Schools Heroes – a student group formed to support service children and young people.

And she has now been given the chance to represent HMS Heroes as a standard bearer in the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, London – which will be her first visit to the capital.

Members of HMS Heroes are ambassadors for service families and help children settle into new schools, providing friendship in times of need.

Lauren’s dad Tom Eckersley was in 21 Engineer Regiment Adjutant General's Corps for 24 years but was made redundant last year – and Lauren found HMS Heroes a pillar of support.

Her mum Vicki said: “The group really helps children to settle into new schools if they have problems adjusting, or if family members are away on tour.

“Lauren has represented the group at a Remembrance service in Ripon Cathedral last year but to be picked to go to the Royal Albert Hall is just fantastic – we are so proud of her.”

Lauren has to be ready for two performances at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday, November 8, with rehearsals starting at 7am.

The concert, attended by the Queen and other members of the Royal family, as well as politicians and members of the public, commemorates and honours all those who have lost their lives in conflicts, and is hosted by the Royal British Legion.

Mrs Eckersley said: “It will be long day for her and she will have to walk down quite a few steps with her standard into the lower part of the hall which will be challenging - but I know she will be great."

Lauren said she was excited and proud to be representing HMS Heroes at the Royal Albert Hall.

“It’s a real privilege to be asked to take part in the concert – and I’m also really excited to go to London for the first time.

“HMS Heroes has really helped me and I like to get involved to support other service children who are adjusting to a new school.”