When it comes to challenges, schoolgirl Arabella Wood is up there alongside Anneka Rice.

The Southend teenager was today set to get a special award after being named Challenger of the Year for the entire south east of England by an animal charity.

She has completed a special Youth Challenge launched by the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals - and passed with flying colours.

The 15-year-old Westcliff High pupil had to undertake a series of challenges, including a computer and poster design competition and the collection of five sacks full of goods to be sold at the charity's Leigh shop.

Her total of 11 sacks means she achieved that challenge more than twice - then she invented two of her own challenges.

One, called animal crackers, saw her design toys with treats for cats and dogs and another design, accepted for possible sale to raise PDSA funds, was a people's pets calendar.

Now all the hard work has seen Arabella emerge as one of eight regional winners of the PDSA Challenger of the Year award.

She was to accept her award at the charity's Southend Veterinary Centre in York Road today.

Arabella said: "I have a rabbit called Fudge and I love animals so helping the PDSA by doing the challenges was a fun thing to do.

"Lots of my friends at Westcliff High and family friends gave lots of clothes for the shop and I want to thank them."

When not doing voluntary work for the PDSA, Arabella is doing the same for Fairhavens Hospice - as well as fundraising.

Her good deeds still leave time for playing the cello in a school ensemble and horse riding -- her favourite hobby.

The PDSA gave 29,988 free treatments to the animals of Southend pet owners in the last 12 months.

As Britain's largest animal charity, founded in 1917, it provides over a million free treatments to the pets of needy owners every year.

Volunteers wanting to help the animal charity are advised to call 0800 854194.

Me and my bunny - Arabella Wood and furry friend Fudge

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