A woman from Borehamwood has been nominated for a Royal award after turning her life around with the help of the youth charity The Prince’s Trust.

Emma Gray, 21, is one of three people from the East of England nominated for the Konica Minolta Young Ambassador of the Year Award.

This award recognises and celebrates the achievements of disadvantaged young people across the East of England who have succeeded against the odds.

Mrs Gray said: “One of the most important things for me was having day-to-day structure in my life again and in the end I was amazed by how much I changed over the 12 weeks.

“Although there were challenges along the way I felt as though I’d got my voice back and so wanted to use it.

“Instead of being something awful, suddenly the future was something to embrace and look forward to.

“My time as a Young Ambassador has been one of the best experiences in my life.

“It has forced me out of my comfort zone. Before I was doing nothing and now I know I can achieve anything.”

The ceremony was held in Stevenage on November 11 and the afternoon was hosted by Anna Williamson.

The Prince’s Trust and Samsung Celebrate Success Awards honour young people who have overcome issues such as abuse, drug addiction, homelessness and depression.

It provides the skills and confidence for the young people to find a job and three in four helped by the Trust move into work, training or education.