TWO secondary school students' contribution to community work is to be recognised when they receive a county award later this month.

Shona Haston and Britty Farren, who attend Teesdale School, Barnard Castle, have been nominated for a Shrievalty Award for their sports-orientated voluntary work.

Year 11 student Shona helps out at the school's athletics and gymnastics clubs, helping to set up apparatus, leading warm-ups and running relays for the 20-strong group.

Britty, who is in Year 10, is a former pupil at nearby Startforth Primary, where she returns each Friday to help the school work towards its sports leadership award.

In addition, she has committed more than 38 hours to plan her GCSE dance course along with three other students.

The pair were nominated for the award by Teesdale School head of PE Jean Brennan.

She said: “I felt the girls needed to be recognised for giving up their time to commit themselves to these activities. It’s a big achievement for them.”

They will receive their awards from County Durham High Sheriff Peter Bell at Durham Castle on Thursday, March 27.