A PUPIL at a school in Bromsgrove will today (Wednesday) be presented with an award for her outstanding community service.

Maria Westbury, aged 11, is one of only 43 Worcestershire schoolchildren who are set to receive Good Citizen Awards at a ceremony which will be held at the West Mercia Police HQ at Hindlip near Worcester.

Maria and her fellow recipients are set to be given special recognition for their community service from Chief Superintendent Patsy Lord and Steve Howarth, the force's director of finance.

The West Mercia Constabulary Good Citizens Award Scheme is run jointly by the police and education authorities in the areas it covers.

Along with others, Maria organised a stamp collection in response to the BBC Blue Peter Christmas appeal, which entailed her working on her own initiative.

The award scheme began in 1987, since when more than 300 young people have been recognised as Good Citizens.

Chf Insp Lord, commander of the Redditch police division which covers Bromsgrove, said: "The scheme aims to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of young people in our community, many of whom may have otherwise gone unrecognised."

Andrew Newson, aged 16, and Joseph Clinton, 15, both from Hagley RC High School, are also set to receive awards. Both help nurse and care for their respective mothers.

Nominations are put forward by schools and the winners are chosen by police and local authorities.

Each winner will get a certificate, lapel badge and a donation to the charity of their choice.