AN inspirational teenager has been given an award for raising awareness of alcoholism and addiction.

Charlie Argent, from Colchester, has been actively supporting addiction charities since her dad Ashley recovered from his alcohol addiction.

When Ashley's addition was as its worst, he was drinking up to 20 cans of lager a day.

He did not realise he had a problem but, for his family, the signs were obvious.

He recently finished Essex County Council’s Clouds in the Community project and is now helping others through the same ordeal.

Daughter Charlie, 16, a former Thomas Lord Audley student, set up an advice stand in school to try and raise awareness.

She won a Jack Petchey award for her hard work.

She said: "I started off by setting up an Instagram page for people in my year, it was just for mental health support and it had uplifting quotes.

"I won the Jack Petchey award for that and with the money I bought lots of books on drug and alcohol addiction to keep in school.

"With the leftover money I bought some awareness posters."

Now she, along with other members of the National Citizens Service, is fundraising for Mind mental health charity.

Charlie won the Colchester Youth Award for her drugs, alcohol and mental health campaign.

A member of staff at Thomas Lord Audley had nominated her for the volunteer award.

Charlie said: "It was really nice to win, I wasn't expecting it. It all happened so quickly.

"My dad has done so well, and I have tried my best to support him.

"I can't take the credit as it's his recovery and I'm really proud of him."

Charlie is about to start a public services course at Colchester Institute.

She added: "I want to join the police force, but it's not my ultimate aim.

"I'm not sure what I want to do yet but I know I want to do something that will be benefitting other people.

"The National Citizens Service has been a part of my journey as well, they have all worked so hard."

On Thursday she and other members of the National Citizens Service are walking around Castle Park to raise money for Mind.