Inspirational Angmering students wins Diana award

Abigail Pinder, 17, was presented with the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award for Inspirational Young People last week, in recognition of her inspirational work with youngsters in the school who have Down’s syndrome.

Abigail, whose ambition is to become a primary school teacher, has spent hundreds of hours voluntarily working with years seven and nine students.

Special needs co-ordinator at the school, Mark Andrews, said: “Abigail has completed over 100 hours of voluntary work in school, working with the teachers and supporting students in their lessons.

“She is a lovely, personable student who deserves recognition for her incredibly positive attitude to life and her willingness to devote so much of her time addressing the needs of others. She is inspirational.”

The award, established in 1999, is designed to act as a lasting legacy to Princess Diana’s belief in the power of young people to change the world.

Abigail and her parents Alan and Myra Pinder came into school for the presentation of the award.

Head teacher David Brixey, who presented the award, said: “The school is very proud of Abigail.

“The sixth-formers are encouraged to volunteer and Abigail had taken this to heart. She is also on the Youth Council in Angmering and is very aware of neighbourhood concerns.”

The school broke up on Friday, however, A-level student Abigail still has one more year left to go.

She said: “Fingers crossed, I will be looking to go to university as I would like to study for a degree in primary school teaching. I have already been volunteering at St Margaret’s Primary School, in Angmering, and have really enjoyed working with the staff and students there.”