A 13-year-old girl has been award a Young People of the Year Award.

Keshet Dor, 13 from Yavneh College, Borehamwood, won the Hertfordshire Junior Young Person of the Year 2015 at a ceremony on November 10.

Young People of the Year or YOPEY is a campaign to give young people a fairer image in the media and society as a whole by revealing, recognising and rewarding young unsung heroes.

Keshet said: “I get a lot of satisfaction and a rewarding feeling from helping people. It makes me feel so privileged.

“I am overwhelmed. I never thought in a million years I would win it. I've enjoyed it so much. I am non-stop smiling."

Keshet plans and runs services every Saturday for up to 10 youngsters, aged three to seven, at Elstree and Borehamwood Masorti Community synagogue.

She has been doing this since she was 10 and some weeks she does this alone and at other times with adults.

Headteacher at Yavneh College Mr Lewis said: “Keshet was up against many other inspirational teenagers and as the youngest nominee it is truly an amazing achievement to have been awarded the prestigious YOPEY award.

“We are so very proud of her.”

She spends one day a week reading to an 11-year-old boy who struggles to walk and is unable to speak.

Keshet found out about the boy through Kisharon Voluntary Services, a charity that specialises in caring for Jewish children and adults with physical disabilities and learning difficulties.

Following her Bat Mitzvah last year, Keshet gave the £300 she received as gifts to help Kisharon buy computer software to help an adult who has communication difficulties talk.

The competition judges, who included Hertsmere Mayor Martin Worster as well as other members of the distinguished audience and past YOPEY finalists, said: “She has proved that if you put your mind and heart to something you love doing then anything is achievable regardless of age.”

Keshet spent a week of her summer holiday volunteering at a day camp organised through Kisharon’s Tuffkid Nursery, Hendon, which helps youngsters who have physical difficulties.

YOPEY is already looking for nominees for next year.