THE sterling efforts of a Studley student both at home and abroad have been recognised by the parish council with the presentation of the Golden Jubilee Shield for Outstanding Youth Achievement for 2004.

The award was presented to 20-year-old Claire Ford in recognition of her work with children in Thailand and in Studley itself.

For the last four years, Claire, of Bradbury Gardens, has been an enthusiastic and talented young leader at the 2nd Studley (St Mary's) Brownies, helping at their weekly meetings and on various outings, trips and training events.

Claire also decided to take a gap year before university and being a committed Christian, applied to join Tearfund Christian relief organisation on their ''Transform'' programme in Bangkok.

She worked in a children's orphanage for 1,500 children with disabilities and learning difficulties who had often been mistreated or outcast by society.

She said she found the orphanage quite traumatic at first because of the culture shock but day by day, she found it easier to work with the children and young adults.

Claire, a former Alcester Grammar School pupil, is now studying psychology and business management at Aston University, Birmingham.