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Unsung hero: Kathleen Jones and Richard Hubbard, the council's director of children's services, at the awards ceremony.

A STOURPORT High School pupil who has acted as a spokesman for the traveller community has won an award celebrating "unsung heroes".

Kathleen Jones, 18, won a Worcestershire County Council Tryangle Award under the category of citizenship and environment.

Her deputy headteacher, Linda Fryer, nominated her for the award because of the way she had helped to change perceptions of travellers.

She said Miss Jones had arranged for members of school staff to visit her at home in her community and had worked with various agencies to promote travellers' rights and issues.

She explained: "It was a fantastic occasion visiting the travellers' site.

"Everyone was impressed by what they saw and learned a great deal about the community.

"It has given these families the confidence that we care which is really important.

"It has helped establish a really strong working partnership."

She added: "Kathleen's a fabulous girl. She's sweet, articulate and caring.

"The fact that she has stayed on until the sixth form shows her commitment to education but she's not losing her travellers' roots."

Miss Jones is studying A level catering and hospitality and is also working as a teaching assistant.

She said: "I was just trying to find a way of getting people to understand travellers rather than judging us before they even get to know us.

"To be chosen as a role model is great and hopefully it will inspire young people to achieve what they want to achieve in life."

More than 30 individuals or groups were announced as this year's unsung heroes' by the council's youth support service on March 13.

Conservative councillor Liz Eyre, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "By choosing to hold these awards once again, we have given young people in Worcestershire, who may find themselves in the shadow of high fliers, the chance to shine."

The Tryangle Awards aim to celebrate the efforts of 11-to-19-year-olds, who really do try, often with little recognition, to do their best.

11:48am Wednesday 26th March 2008

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