A REMARKABLE teenager who cares for her autistic mum and still finds time to help with her local Brownie pack is in line for a prestigious award.

Hannah Underwood, 13, of Forest Road, Colchester, has been nominated for an Essex Police Young People of the Year award by her mum, Anne.

Anne has Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism, and when things get too much for her can suddenly collapse, needing immediate hospital treatment.

Hannah has been taught to call an ambulance and make sure her mum is calm and comfortable until help arrives.

The St Benedict’s Royal Catholic College pupil admits her mum’s episodes can be frightening.

She said: “It can happen at any time. Sometimes I’ll get a call when I am at school. I get used to it.”

When her eight-year-old, niece, Shannon, comes to stay, Hannah looks after her, cooking and entertaining, if her mum is not up to it.

She also finds time to go to Guides and has taken on the role of a young leader with Colchester Brownies, helping the younger girls with all sorts of activities.

Proud mum, Anne, said her daughter deserved to be recognised with an award.

She said: “Hannah has overcome a lot and is a great role model for the younger kids, despite not always having a lot of confidence in her abilities.

“I’m so proud of her.”

Hannah does get some time away from her responsibilities, thanks to Essex Young Carers, a group which organises outings and trips for youngsters like her.

Joining the group and moving to St Benedict’s School have helped boost Hannah’s confidence, something she needed after suffering problems at her previous school, because she is dyslexic and colourblind.

The police awards were set up by former journalist Tony Gearing, who was annoyed with the bad press youngsters usually seemed to get.

He said: “Hannah has a lot on her plate, yet still finds time for others.”

The award winner will get £1,000, while the runner-up wins £500, and the third-placed entrant £250.

All prizes are split, with the winner getting half and the good cause of their choice the rest.

This is the third such competition in Essex, and this year is sponsored by Essex Police, the Essex Police Authority, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Runwood Homes, and Harlow-based GlaxoSmithKline.