A school pupil has been heralded as an inspiration by her teachers after raising thousands of pounds in memory of her cousin.

Rebecca Berwick, 17, was given Nelson Thomlinson School’s community service award at its annual prize week ceremonies.

Teachers at the Wigton school put Rebecca forward for the prize after being impressed with her continuous fundraising during her time studying there.

She’s raised more than £5,000 by running fundraising sales around Christmas and Valentine’s Day, selling cards, gifts and chocolates.

Her efforts have been fuelled by the memory of her cousin Emma Gyles, of Aspatria, who died from ovarian cancer in 2008 aged 24.

After her death, Rebecca’s aunt and uncle, Ken and Barbara Gyles, set up a charity in her name which gives out bursaries to help a talented medical student join a research team who are looking for a cure.

“I suggested when I was in year seven that I could do some fundraising days,” Rebecca, from Aspatria, said.

“I just liked the idea of giving back and I do like helping others. I said to my auntie and uncle: Do you need any help in fundraising? They were ecstatic I was helping out.

“The school has been really supportive. Everyone looks forward to the sales and the teachers end up buying lots of things as well.

“I was really honoured to get the award. I wasn’t expecting it. I was really shocked.”

The upper sixth former has been supported by her friends in running her fundraising events every year,

Assistant head teacher Mike Beechey said: “Rebecca’s charity fundraising story is an inspirational one. She is a worthy winner of one of school’s most significant prize awards.”

The award citation praised her tenacity in raising funds and motivating others to support her efforts over six years.

It also mentioned her unflinching enthusiasm and the manner in which she has approached the task, always with modesty and thought for others.

A number of other students were honoured for their hard work during the week-long celebration.

Once her studies are complete, Rebecca is hoping to attend Newcastle University or Lancaster University to read history.

“When I leave I would like to carry on doing the fundraising,” she added.

As of last year, the Emma Gyles Bursary had raised more than £50,000.

Sarah Brookes achieved 100 per cent attendance over five years while Emily Turnbull and Sarah Wolstencroft achieved 100 per cent over their full seven years at the school.