A teenager has won a place on a leadership course funded by a local rotary club.

Twickenham Academy student Gabrielle Spencer, from Whitton, was invited to the Rotary Youth Leaders Awards (RYLC) after impressing during an interview.

Gabrielle will join pupils across the South East on the week-long trip held at High Ashurst Outdoor Activity Centre in Dorking in the April half-term next year.

Activities are designed to build confidence and leadership skills and include assault course, orienteering and problem solving.

Gabrielle, 15, said: “I was really surprised actually that I was chosen. It was a real honour because I know how few students actually get this chance.

“I am quite active, I like sport and outdoor things, so I guess that was why the school put me forward.

“I have really grown in confidence over the last few months and that is largely to do with the new heads of the school.

“Before there was not much emphasis put on developing leadership skills but now I am the deputy head girl I understand the importance of making pupils be responsible.

“The school is improving at the moment and they want pupils to get involved more in the way the school is run. It is good for us and good for the school.”

Twickenham Academy headteacher Assal Ruse said: “The Twickenham Academy community is extremely proud of the work and achievements of Gabrielle.

“She is a reflection of a great number of other students at the school who work tirelessly to give back to their communities and put others' needs before their own.

“Gabrielle is a credit to Year 11 and to the wider community.”

Waldegrave student Mary Ovakimian, 16, from Teddington, also won a place on the course. It is funded by the Twickenham-upon-Thames Rotary Club.