A TEENAGER who is devoted to helping deaf children and young adults has been honoured for her work. Stacey White, 17, from Ramsgate, has won the Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Award for Young People.

She has been recognised for the voluntary work she does at the Royal School for Deaf Children in Margate, sometimes working with people who are severely handicapped as well as being deaf.

Stacey, a sixth form pupil at Chatham House Grammar School, she says her work with the underprivileged “certainly puts life into perspective".

She began working with the deaf children to assist with swimming lessons and then joined the school’s team that provides cover for staff absences and carried out weekend duties. She also worked extensively on their summer respite programme, dealing with some of the most challenging and difficult children.

Stacey, who is studying A level Sociology, Biology, Religious Studies and General Studies, said: “I love it at the deaf school. It can be tough and the youngsters, and the young adults, are demanding. Once you get to know them, they are bright, lively and generally smashing young people.

"I am gradually picking up how to sign to them so we can communicate more easily, which is a challenge. Working with them gives me a real sense of belonging and a great feeling of achievement. I am honoured to witness their progress and to be part of the special times in their lives.”

Chris Owen, headteacher at Royal School for Deaf Children, said: "She is an excellent role model for pupils and respite workers. She is a credit to her home and to her school.

"She makes the work look easy but that is because of her modest attitude, her attention to detail and the hard work she has put in to develop respectful and friendly relationships."

Stacey, who joined Chatham House sixth form from Ellington High School in Ramsgate, intends to take a gap year after her A levels and plans to spend three months working at an orphanage in South Africa. She hopes to study child psychology at university.