A TEENAGER who led a youth volunteer group has been honoured by the Princess Royal for her outstanding dedication.

Charlotte Olden, 17, earned the title of “inspiring indidual” in the 2011 National Citizen Service Mix It Up awards, in recognition of her work helping launch a scheme to transform her neighbourhood.

The teenager, who was given her award by Princess Anne, chairs the St Luke’s Youth Community Challenge, which helps youngsters organise and plan activities and events.

The group helped build a summer pavilion, which was unveiled in Cluny Square in August, to host community events.

Charlotte, of St Luke’s Road, was one of two award winners on the night, which was hosted by Radio 1 DJ Reggie Yates, at the Eddie Grant Centre, in Tottenham.

An art technician at Futures Community College, Charlotte is studying for her A-levels and hopes to become an English teacher. She was prompted to help launch the community challenge after taking part in a residential course run by Youth at Risk, an organisation which works alongside Southend Council on projects on Southend’s Woodgrange Estate and in St Luke’s ward.

Charlotte and her team have also organised curry evenings, re-painted play equipment in Cluny Square and are hosting a Christmas meal for the elderly, on December 19, at St Luke’s Church.

She said: “At the ceremony they read out the shortlist and described what everyone had done then they announced the winners. I was really excited, but scared too.”

Mark Flewitt, Southend councillor responsible for children and learning, said: “Many congratulations to Charlotte for this tremendous achievement.

“It is a well-deserved award as she has inspired a great team spirit among a growing group of people, who are now continually finding ways to encourage others in the community to change their lives for the better.”