A CATFORD schoolgirl has been described by her teacher as “a little angel” after being honoured with a special award for outstanding contribution to her school.

Sarah Williams, 16, was nominated for the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Award by Catford Girls' School because of her commitment to counselling Year Seven and Eight pupils.

And, despite using a wheelchair and having limited mobility because of a spine disease, Sarah managed to complete the London mini-marathon in 28 minutes on Sunday, April 22.

The youngster's form tutor, Rosie Smith, described news of the Diana award, which Sarah was presented with on April 9, as “wonderful”.

“Sarah helps Year Seven and Eight pupils if they are being bullied or if they just need someone to talk to,” she said.

“She is very unassuming and quiet but she works so hard.

“What's more, she is such a caring person a real little angel.”

Cynthia Harding, who oversees the school's peer counselling project, said: “Sarah is one of the school's most dedicated counsellors.

“She is always willing to make herself available to others despite the mobility arrangements this may involve.”

Sarah, who lives with her parents and 13-year-old brother in Herne Hill, will go to Croydon College to take AS Levels in English, History, Sociology and Theatre Studies next year.

She has always wanted to go to university and dreams of becoming a speech therapist, teacher or child counsellor one day.

Since hearing of her nomination for the Diana Award, Sarah twice met Princess Anne late last year, which she described as “a wonderful experience”.

“My parents were very proud and pleased, but I was so surprised.” she said.

The annual Diana Memorial Awards were launched throughout Britain in April 2000 to recognise the contribution pupils make to their school and community.