A TEENAGE volunteer has been honoured for her efforts.

Laura Grievson, 17, from Pelton, County Durham, won the youth action category in the regional Millennium Volunteer of the Year Award.

Laura, who is studying for A-levels, got into helping others through Millennium Volunteers, a Government initiative that encourages 16 to 24-year-olds to help in their local communities.

She designed a poster for the mental health charity MIND in County Durham, promoting a text messaging advice service for young people. She also volunteered with Age Concern, helping older people learn new skills, such as using the Internet, and has also offered support to people recording their wartime memories for a project for the BBC.

Laura also led a team that raised funds for the victims of the tsunami.

She said: "I really enjoy helping members of the community and have made new friends by volunteering.

"You learn so much about yourself and gain the skills and confidence to participate in different types of activities."