A YOUNG Worcestershire woman with a strong community spirit has won the district finals of an international Lions Club award scheme.

Lauren McClure, from the Teme Valley Lions Club, will now go on to compete in the Midlands regional final of the Lions Club International Young Ambassador of the 21st Century award scheme.

The initiative recognises young people for their outstanding community service, leadership accomplishments, public speaking skills and education achievements.

Lauren was selected as district winner by Mayor of Worcester Councillor Ian Imray, Mayoress Joan Imray and Dr David Alston.

They considered Lauren showed outstanding community commitment. She is involved in Malvern Hills District Young People's Council, the young people's organisation Hear by Right, Worcester Rural Team and has campaigned for healthy school meals.

She is also involved with Youth Comm, a county Youth Services communications project to bring a youth line centre into Tenbury. The centre will provide a free helpline for young people to talk about anything they like and possibly help rejuvenate the local youth club.

The Midlands regional finals take place in Dudley.