A SCHOOL counsellor is set to meet The Duchess of Cambridge after being shortlisted for a national award.

Alyson Andrew, who works at St Mary’s RC Primary School in Bacup, will attend the first-ever Wellbeing in Schools Awards at Kensington Palace in London, on November 19.

The awards, run by mental health charity Place2Be, celebrate unsung heroes who make a real difference to the life of their school community.

Alyson is one of four finalists in the Volunteer Counsellor category. In her two years as a counsellor at the school she has demonstrated dedication and commitment and been a consistent and reliable presence.

Catherine Roche, Place2Be’s chief executive, said: "Providing support for children and families early on is vital – helping them to address problems before they escalate, become more serious or more entrenched.

“Some pupils come to school with so much on their minds and with the work of Place2Be and the school in partnership we can help to address those problems, freeing up the child to focus on learning and the very important business of childhood.

"These awards give us the chance to thank and celebrate the achievements of our volunteers, our staff, head teachers, parents, school colleagues and, of course, most importantly, the children and young people themselves.”