A PUPIL at the Malling School at East Malling has received the Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Award for his outstanding contribution to the school. Simon Rushton, 17, gave up his entire summer holiday to help decorate and prepare the sixth form common room at the school, ensuring it was ready to welcome students in September.

Christine Newbould, head of sixth form at the school, said: "Simon is very generous with his time and is a great support to everyone, both adults and students. His school work has never been affected and his personal circumstances have been very difficult."

The Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Award was launched to recognise outstanding contributions made by secondary school students to their schools and communities in April 2000. Since then, 1,500 pupils from 630 schools in the UK have received the award. Each school may nominate one pupil per year.

Simon was also recently selected to play in the British korfball team. Korfball is a mixed-sex sport combining elements of netball and basketball.