A SEATON teenager has been recognised for her work in the community.

Olivia Norman, 17, was handed Seaton Parish Council's community champion award for her work with young people in the village.

Olivia, who is training to become an electrical engineer at Gen2, helps run the Seaton Brownies group, as well as Seaton's youth club. She was also part of community efforts to decorate the village ahead of the Tour Of Britain last year and helps with the scarecrow festival and Christmas lights switch-on.

She said: "I was so happy I cried, I didn't expect it at all. It's something I enjoy doing and you don't expect to be rewarded for something you enjoy."

She added her parents were very proud of her after hearing of the award.

A spokesman for the council said: "Olivia was recognised for her regular contribution to the Seaton Brownies group, where she is training to be a young leader, and Seaton Youth Club, where she helps supervise. In addition to those weekly commitments, Olivia has contributed to village activities for a number of years, including the Tour of Britain cycle race in 2018, the Scarecrow Festival and the Christmas lights switch-on events, and for a number of years she was involved with the Chernobyl Children’s charity. Olivia has a good relationship with other young people in the village and has demonstrated leadership skills above her age, working with adults and other young people alike."

Olivia started helping at the Brownies as part of her Duke of Edinburgh award around three years ago. She said: "I loved it and decided to continue by working towards my youth leader qualification.

"I just like helping the children, it's nice to work with them and give them a good start in life."

Olivia attended the village's youth club as a child and then started helping there as she grew up. "I'm working towards quite a different career and this helps me show my caring side, I just like helping others."

Olivia was presented with an engraved silver salver by the parish council's chairman Lily Harwood at the council's monthly meeting on Monday.

Anthony Ferguson and the other volunteers who help run Seaton Junior Football Club were also recognised for their role with the club, supporting over 200 young people.