A caring sixth-former who helps charitable causes through her St Albans school has been recognised in a competition that showcases achievements of young people across Hertfordshire.

Townsend School pupil, Annie-Marie Osborne has helped people with disabilities ride horses, organised events that have raised £400 for a charity with more to come, and mentors younger pupils at the school.

The High Oaks School thinks so highly of her that Annie is to be head girl in the next academic year. But meanwhile her top marks for effort have earned her a place in Smith-Milne Young People of the Year (YOPEY) Nominating the 16-year-old, head of sixth form Phil Parker described her as an exceptional student.

He said: “Not only is she gifted academically but she has also made a significant contribution to the school and her local community through her charitable work.

“She is passionate about helping other people and she uses her well-developed interpersonal skills to enhance her effectiveness in this area.”

Three years ago Annie and others at the school raised £800 for Help the Heroes through a cake sale and other activities.

Last year she and others organised a Christmas party at the school for up to 40 elderly residents on the New Greens estate.

Annie mentors year 11 pupils in English and exam techniques and also helps year seven pupils on a one-to-one basis with any domestic issues.

She explained: “I was bullied in my first year at school, so now I'm older I want to help any youngsters who may have problems that affect their schooling.”

Horse-rider Annie, spent six months volunteering with the Riding for the Disabled Association at stables at Oaklands College, St Albans. This helps children and adults with physical disabilities and learning difficulties. She led the horses and encouraged the riders, showing them what to do.

Annie said: “As a rider I wanted to give other people who don't normally get a chance to ride the opportunity to do so. “ Last year a former next-door neighbour and friend who was a haemophiliac passed away, which inspired Annie to organise a charity volleyball event and an Easter egg hunt, which raised £400 for the Haemophilia Society.

She is currently organising a charity day with auction at a local pub in September and plans to do a sponsored sky-dive in October, both of which are intended to raise hundreds of pounds more.

This competition marks the 10th anniversary of YOPEY and the place where it all began with a competition in Hertfordshire in 2005.

It has £2,000 to give away- a top prize of £800, with £400 for the winner and the same amount for a good cause of their choice. There is a prize of £400 for the second place, £200 for the third and top junior, all similarly shared.

As well as Smith-Milne & Co, a Rickmansworth accountancy firm, this year’s YOPEY is also sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric of Hatfield, two housing associations, B3Living of Broxbourne and North Hertfordshire Homes, Orange Amplification of Borehamwood, McNicholas of Elstree, Renault of Rickmansworth, Vinci of Watford and Runwood Homes for the elderly.

To nominate somebody who deserves the YOPEY title logon to yopey.org or write, enclosing a stamped-addressed-envelope, to YOPEY, Woodfarm Cottage, Bury Road, Stradishall, Newmarket CB8 8YN for a paper entry form.