WHEN asked to describe a modern teenager, most people would conjure a negative image that sums up all that is bad about the society we live in. Today's youth often get a negative press fuelled by a minority of unruly louts.

But an inspirational group of youngsters at a Worcester school have proved there is still compassion among our young people.

Five pupils at Elgar Technology College have received a very special accolade after spending the past two years tirelessly raising funds for a number of charities.

They have received the Diana award in recognition of all their hard work and commitment. Since the award was established in 1999, about 21,000 young people have been recognised for inspiring the lives of others.

Catherine Fewtrell, Katharine Jones, Jamie Phelps, Gemma Lewis and James Gunter are the latest to be added to that list.

"We were shocked and delighted," said 15-year-old Gemma. "It's lovely to be recognised in this way."

The award was set up in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, who herself was an avid fund-raiser. The Government's Memorial Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, founded it as a prestigious and lasting celebration of the late Princess and her work.

"It's a real honour to get such an award," said 15-year-old Katharine. "I just can't quite believe it."

The students were nominated for the award by school librarian Wendy Phelps, who has worked with and mentored the youngsters in their efforts.

Mrs Phelps said: "They've raised more than £2,500 for various charities. This has taken the form of quizzes, tuck shops and a sponsored event at a local primary school."

"Although they have had the support and backing from staff, they have done the work themselves, mostly in their own time. They make up their own questions for the quizzes and present them to staff and student teams. As soon as they complete one event they are planning the next."

Mrs Phelps said she was incredibly proud of the youngsters, as did the school's new headteacher Andrew Grace. He said: "This is a fantastic accolade for the students. It is such a rare award to get. It is very special for them and extremely well-deserved."

The fund-raising began when the year 11 pupils were in year 9.

Fifteen-year-old Gemma and two other friends organised a raffle for Children in Need. Soon, Katharine got on board, along with 16-year-old James and 15-year-old Jamie, and the friends decided to continue with the fund-raising, first organising a quiz.

"It just kind of went from there," Katharine said. "We enjoyed organising the events so much we just kept doing things and it was great to know that we were helping different charities."

Catherine joined the group in year 10 and since then have been known around the school as "the charity group". They became popular among peers for the termly tuck shops where students can buy sweets and chocolates, helping raise funds for a chosen charity.

Over the two years, they have raised money for Children in Need, Comic Relief and Cancer Research, among many others.

"We are all friends outside of school so when someone comes up with an idea we discuss it and put it into action," said James. "It makes us feel good that we are doing something. To receive the Diana award is really something special."

Last year, the group received the Mike Foster award for citizenship.

Mrs Phelps said: "It is usually given by the school to an individual, usually from year 11, for outstanding contribution to the community. However, they were awarded it in year 10 for their fund-raising work.

"Although it was awarded at our Celebration Evening last July, they had the opportunity to meet Mike Foster and have their photo taken with him when he visited our library for another event last term."

Jamie, who is Mrs Phelps' son, said: "It was really nice to meet the local MP and to get this award. It made us feel very proud. And getting the Diana award has made everything worthwhile."

But despite their fast-approaching GCSE exams this summer, the group is determined to continue its fund-raising right until the end.

They are planning an Elgar's Got Talent show at the end of March and then are hoping to organise "something big" for their final show at the end of their school career.