A TEENAGER has been recognised for her work developing the 'New Generation' at the South Tees Volunteering Excellence Awards.

Sophie McCormick picked up the Young Volunteer Award for her work with social housing group Coast and Country.

She is a member of its New Generation, which is a group of young people between the ages of 14 and 18 who works to make a difference and ensure young people have a voice.

The 18-year-old has been one of the members since its conception and is described as ‘the heart and soul of the group’.

The Redcar teenager experiences great personal difficulties as a young carer, which makes her passion and enthusiasm all the more remarkable.

She said: “I was very surprised, but proud, to even be nominated so to win this award is fantastic. New Generation has changed my life and helped me to become confident in myself and to be successful in securing a job."

The group worked with Coast & Country’s Tenants Panel to break down the negative stereotypes people help about age.

As part of her volunteering, she made friends with an elderly lady with no family close by and this relationship is still strong, with her often visiting and helping out her ‘adopted nana’.

If you would like to find out more about getting involved with New Generation contact Laura Bradbury on 01642-771308.