Sophie Howe, 16, of Windermere Drive, Wellingborough, spends most of her spare time helping in charity shops or raising money for people who need it.

While most teenagers watch television or go shopping during free time, the Weavers School pupil can be found working at the Wellingborough Salvation Army shop or holding charity stalls on Wellingborough market.

Sophie's family, as well as those who work with her, want the community to recognise her outstanding work and say she is an example to other young people.

Mum Sarah O'Connor said: "She does so much volunteer work. I'm very proud of her, I don't think there are many people who work with disabled adults and give up so much time.

She is doing it for the whole year and it is all her own time. She shows such great enthusiasm and it is about time her work is known by the public."

Grandmother Helena Grundy said: "She is really into it and she loves what she does. She is ever so kind."

Sophie's voluntary work includes working at the Salvation Army shop in Market Street, Wellingborough.

Her other big project is working with Young Creations at The Castle theatre to help out with the show The Panto, which has been running this week. She is helping disabled people to organise the project. She is also on the youth action team at the Infuse Youth Cafe in Angel Lane, Wellingborough.

Sophie said she loved to to help others. "I like to see the smiles on people's faces."

Youth voluntary development manager at Northamptonshire Voluntary Youth Action (NAYC) Andie Donnachie said the community needed more proactive people like Sophie.

She said: "We try to get people to stand up and take part and we tell them why it is such as valuable tool in gaining experience and life skills. It is also good for people in the community.

"Even simple gardening exercises help the community and make it look at bit prettier. You can gain a record of achievement and it helps towards building a CV."

NAYC is to hold activities in Wellingborough next month, which includes painting a nursery.