A BIG-HEARTED teenager is in the running for a national award in recogition of her tireless work in the community. Jessica Perry, 18, from the Groves Estate in Kingsbury, has been shortlisted in the Most Outstanding Young Person category for the Nationa

A BIG-HEARTED teenager is in the running for a national award in recogition of her tireless work in the community.

Jessica Perry, 18, from the Groves Estate in Kingsbury, has been shortlisted in the 'Most Outstanding Young Person' category for the National Federation of ALMOs (NFA) award.

Jessica, who is a member of Brent Housing Partnership's (BHP) Youth Editorial Board (YEB), was nominated for her passion about her community and her voluntary work.

In addition to helping out with activities for older people such as card making and swimming sessions, Jessica also runs a gentle keep fit session with older and disabled residents on the estate once a week.

She has started a youth group on the estate, and is the sport's editor for YEB in which she contributes ideas and is currently working on articles about the launch of the new England football kit, and the work of the Groves residents' association in the local community

When she not throwing herself into her voluntary commitments Jessica works part-time at Wembley Stadium.

The NFA Awards, which are now in their fourth year, were established to recognise and celebrate the hard work and achievements of ALMO tenants, such as those living in BHP home, and resident groups.

The awards honour and credit the individuals and groups who do so much at ground level and beyond to make a real difference to communities across the country.

Jessica said: "Being nominated for this award is a real honour.

"I love working with the community and it is very rewarding to know that you can make a real difference to people's lives."

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony held in Manchester on July 15.

lorraine.king@archant.co.uk