AN INSPIRATIONAL head girl has received a prestigious Diana Award for her charity work.

Scarlett Perrin, a Year 13 student at Braintree Sixth Form, was nominated for the award because of her work with the Teenage Cancer Trust, becoming inspired to volunteer for the charity after a close friend became ill three years ago.

She has since helped to organise and run quiz nights, which have raised more than £8,000 for the charity.

Scarlett also is head girl at her sixth form and a student governor, sitting on both the student council and the school’s own governing body.

Assistant headteacher Holly Sutton said Scarlett is a role model for staff and students.

She said: “Scarlett is an excellent advocate for action equality.

“She also helps to raise awareness of mental health concerns in the school community. “

To be awarded a Diana Award, nominees must have Princess Diana’s qualities of kindness, compassion and service.

The Diana Award was set up in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, and her belief young people have the power to change the world for the better.

Scarlett celebrated her award on Monday July 3 at the Year 13 Ball.

The ball was held at The Fennes, a wedding venue in Bocking, to celebrate the end of the year.

Students were treated to a three course meal and a disco.

Pictures from the ball will be featured in next week’s Braintree & Witham Times.

Scarlett became one of 750 young people to win the award.

Her, and her schoolmates, will now be moving on to work, training or university.