A YOUNGSTER who helped inspire and motivate her neighbours during the lockdown has been handed a prestigious award.

Roisin Murphy, 16, is now the proud owner of the Jack Petchey community award for her efforts to keep spirits up during the worst of the pandemic.

Roisin set up a blackboard outside her house in Dunmow which she decorated with bright colours and inspirational quotes.

The blackboard has also been filled with ideas of things for people to do during the lockdown and its popularity continued to grow, with small businesses using it to advertise, as well as details about online quizzes and classes being posted on it.

Roisin enjoyed helping her neighbours and friends so much, she even arranged an Easter egg hunt and painted flowers on a bench to add to the positive atmosphere she was creating.

Claire Hickles put Roisin forward for a Jack Petchey award after seeing the impact her hard work was having on the community.

She said: “Roisin’s main aim has been to give local residents while they’re out on their daily walks something positive to see.

"I am so proud of her for wanting to do something for others during this time.”

Roisin was awarded £50 from the Jack Petchey foundation, along with a letter from Sir Jack to congratulate her on going the extra mile to help others during the lockdown.

Jack Petchey chief exec Trudy Kilcullen said the organisation is on the lookout for more inspiring stories of youngsters helping out during the lockdown and ongoing pandemic.

She said: "At the Jack Petchey foundation, young people inspire us all the time with the incredible work they do and that has not stopped in the current situation.

"We want to recognise more young people across London and Essex doing inspirational things to help their community and hope these community awards will motivate others and truly showcase the positive things young people do every day.”

A young person can be nominated for helping vulnerable family members, the local area, schools or youth groups .

This includes delivering groceries, creating content to inspire others, running classes online, contacting isolated people, and supporting a parent/friend keyworker.

For more information, visit jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk.