A teenager has been awarded a bravery medal after she raised thousands of pounds for a charity which helped her cope with the loss of her mum and brother.

Lulu Roberts-Aikens, 16, has campaigned tirelessly for Nelson's Journey, a Norfolk-based charity which helps bereaved children.

The teenager, who is studying for A-levels in photography, ICT, food technology and applied business at Wymondham College, was presented with the Ralphs Medal award at a ceremony yesterday.

Lulu, of Tharston, near Long Stratton, lost her mother when she was just 11 years old and her brother, John, died last year aged 17.

She said: 'John and I were really close. I would say that we were closer than most brothers and sisters; he was my best friend as well as my brother.

'I love school because it keeps me busy. Being at home over the summer holidays is strange because I am used to having John around.'

Lulu has held non-uniform days at school and bake sales to help raise funds for the charity.

'I am really pleased and proud of myself,' Lulu added. 'I wasn't expecting the award.'

The Ralphs Medal is endowed by the family of the late Sir Lincoln Ralphs, former Director of Education for Norfolk. It was presented by Sir Lincoln's widow, Lady Enid Ralphs to Lulu, who has achieved triumph through adversity.

A spokesman for the college said:'Following the tragic death of a close family member, Lulu galvanised first her friends and then the whole college community to support Nelson's Journey.

'The college has now established a close link with Nelson's Journey and staff will benefit from training from the charity this year.

'All this was done whilst Lulu was preparing to successfully sit her GCSEs in Year 11. She has achieved an inspiring triumph through the adversity of her own and her family's bereavement.'