TEENAGER Danielle Eccles is an exemplary student and the well-deserved winner of this category.

The judges were genuinely touched by Danielle’s story and described her nomination as a ‘moving account’ after it explained how she lost her mother at a young age.

Not only is she a model student but she is rooted in the community and is a member of a number of clubs and societies.

Her auntie Lorraine Dickinson nominated her, saying: “She is a model student, having had 100% attendance and marked 100% effort every year since commencing at Witton Park.

“She lives with her grandparents having lost her mother when she was 18-months-old. Both of Danielle’s grandparents are disabled and she is a great help in the house.”

Danielle is also a prefect, a member of the school council and is the school’s Sports Ambassador; in 2012 she carried the Olympic Torch through Blackburn on behalf of the school.

She is also part of the Corporation Park Bowling Club and helps out at the Church of the Saviour where she is a member.

Her passion is drama and she has appeared in five pantomimes at Thwaites Theatre in Blackburn, alongside school performances. Now awaiting her GCSE results, Danielle plans to become a drama teacher.

Her form tutor Catherine Evans said: “We knew from year seven that Danielle was an amazing student. She took on one of the main roles in the school production of ‘Blood Brothers’ and she wowed the audience.

“Danielle is one of the most hard-working and conscientious students I have come across.

“As a school we could not be more proud of her.”

The 16-year-old said she was ‘chuffed’ to receive the award and really liked the group of friends she had made at the school.

She said she managed to find time for all her after-school activities by not watching too much television.

Her auntie added: “Danielle has a kind and caring nature, a quiet charm showing compassion and consideration in all she does.

“She is the first to volunteer at school or in any other venture if she feels she can assist or help others to improve their knowledge, ability, skills or just in their everyday lives.

“Danielle is a credit to the school and to her family. We are so proud of her. I am sure her mother would have been too.”