HELPING others is something Lauren Joynson does without giving a second thought.

For the 10-year-old devotes much of her time helping her parents who have sight and hearing problems.

The Heaton Park CP pupil is such an inspiration to others that her hard work and kindness has been recognised with a Human Deeds Award.

Awarded by Bury Council in conjunction with the SPD Trust, the human deeds are for students who show outstanding qualities in a number of categories.

In Lauren's case, judges thought she had excelled in showing encouragement and support for someone experiencing difficulty within her family and had given a significant amount of her time and energy in helping others over a sustained period of time.

Headteacher of Heaton Park Primary, in Cuckoo Lane, Whitefield, Mr Maureen Gunnell said: "I think there are about 12 schools entered and to win you have to be exceptional.

"Lauren is special as she helps her parents, who have sight or hearing problems. Lauren's dad has a guide dog for the blind and she acts as a scribe for him, and her mum is hard of hearing."

Lauren's achievements were recognised with a certificate and a £20 book voucher.

The SPD Trust was founded in 1996 by Dr Syed Haider to support learning, the independence of thought and the importance of humanitarian deeds.

Other winners included Melissa Hunt of Prestwich Community High School, Amy Howarth of Butterstile Primary and Anthony Bradley of Elms Bank High School, Whitefield.