A Letchworth teenager has been recognised for her charitable efforts with a cheque for £100 and last month’s Comet Community Hero award – backed by the Roaring Meg Retail Park in Stevenage.

Immy Blackburn-Horgan came up with the idea behind community project – A Child’s Dream – which saw a sensory garden for a young girl with autism finished in October.

The 15-year-old, who studies at St Francis’ College in Letchworth, said: “I am very proud and happy to receive this award.

“I have been involved with my family, friends, neighbours and schools in community work to raise money for the last 10 years.

“I got involved with Wilbury Community Forum two years ago and the members have been truly inspirational in helping me this summer to build a sensory garden for a little girl with autism.

“This has given me more knowledge about autism and helped me recognise some difficulties I have, so I am now being assessed for Asperger’s, dyslexia and dyspraxia.

“I will be donating my £100 to the forum as they deserve it for how much they give to all those who live in the Wilbury ward – a fantastic bunch of people.”

Immy’s dad Stephen Blackburn said: “Of course I am very proud but it is because of all the encouragement, enthusiasm and support from Wilbury Community Forum and other charity groups that Immy has been able to be involved in some special projects. Our thanks go to them.”