A TEENAGER said to be committed to helping others and who cites her late sister as her inspiration has won an award.

Charlotte Sands is the youngest ever to receive a ‘Teesside Hero’ award from the Teesside Philanthropic Foundation.

The 14-year-old helps mother Gemma to run Remembering Rebecca, a charity raising awareness of a rare condition called Lissencaphaly, which causes the brain to develop abnormally.

Rebecca Sands died in 2010 aged 21 months, having been in and out of hospital with the condition.

Remembering Rebecca has raised £200,000 to buy specialist equipment for children suffering from neurological diseases. Meanwhile, Charlotte, from Ingleby Barwick, has organised pamper days, pizza making sessions, pottery classes and trips to the cinema for about 60 local youngsters.

Christina Tomlinson, who nominated her for the award, said: “She is committed to helping others and cares about ensuring Rebecca’s memory lives on in a positive way.”