A TEENAGER who was spurred into helping other youngsters after her friends were attacked, has been nominated for an award.

Natasha Reynolds, 17, a former pupil of King Edmund School, in Rochford, was with friends in Southend, when they were violently attacked by two drunk middle-aged men while visiting a public toilet.

The attack spurred Natasha, of Estuary Gardens, Great Wakering, to volunteer and she now gives up 70 hours of her free time every month to help young people.

She has now been nominated for an Essex Police Young People of the Year award.

Natasha, who is studying at South East Essex College, was put forward for the award by chiefs at Essex County Council, for which she heads up three youth-led projects to raise awareness about drugs, crime and bullying among her peers in the Rochford area.

Speaking about the attack, she said: “It was horrible. The men started getting really aggressive with my friends, hitting them and shoving them against the wall.

“We ran off up the high street to get help, but when we called the police we got the impression they weren’t taking it seriously, because they thought we were messing about.

“It wasn’t until our parents called them they came out and took our statements.”

As a result of the incident, Natasha was galvanised into working with the police to raise the profile of youngsters.

She added: “It’s about young people being taken notice of, being heard and turning a negative into a positive.

“If young people feel they can make a difference, they will feel good about themselves.”

Natasha started volunteering three years ago with Rochford District’s Youth Council. Today she is the chairman.

“I run the meetings, upload the minutes and make sure everyone keeps in contact with each other. I am so busy, but I love volunteering.”

The winner of the Essex Yopey award will win £1000, They will get £500 for themselves and £500 for a good cause of their choice that works with young people. Cash prizes will also be given to second and third place winners l The award is open to young people aged from ten to 25, who live, work or study in Essex.

Visit www.yopey.org or send an SAE for an entry form to Yopey, PO Box 103, Ware, Herts, SG9 0XD.

Young people can nominate themselves.