TWO teenagers are celebrating after they were among a small band of school pupils in the country to receive Princess Diana Memorial Trust awards, for outstanding work in the community.

Sixteen-year-olds Andrea Morgan and Ruth Parkinson, from St Michael's School, Billingham, were surprised to find that their work had been recognised at a national level.

Both were at the forefront of fundraising for the British Heart Foundation and Middlesbrough General Hospital's intensive care unit.

They have also been leading members of their student council, as well as part of a team that worked with a film director to produce a step-by-step guide to show other schools how they could involve their pupils in youth parliament.

Their teacher, Trisha Carroll, said: "They have been leaders in so many things that have brought benefits to others."

Headteacher Tony Maxwell said: "Ever since they entered St Michael's, they have been shining lights, setting wonderful examples for others to follow.

"They thoroughly deserve this recognition, and I am delighted that the national assessors reached this conclusion."