A Havering volunteer has won an award for being inspirational.

Rebecca Kelly, is a project leader at Add Up, based in Billet Lane, Hornchurch.

She was nominated for the Kids Count Inspiration Awards by the Add+up Committee for her work with the children and young people at the charity.

Rebecca, who is also a special needs assistant at Parklands School, in Romford, received a highly commended award in the best mentor category.

Her manager Sheila Keeling said: “Rebecca became a volunteer at our projects to gain an understanding of ADHD as she has a brother with the disability.

“It was at a time when she was undecided about her career path. Through volunteering Rebecca found her vocation, her thirst for a greater understanding of the disability and how she could support these very special children began.”

Rebecca enrolled in college and completed a child care course. As her skills grew she was given more roles at Add+up. She was able to work with and manage children with ADHD and challenging behaviour.

Ms Keeling added: “Rebecca had a rapport with the children from the very start, a kind of magic that held the children, staff and volunteers who work with her spellbound.

“Her ability to understand the needs of the children is unique.”

She added that Rebecca never gives up on a child no matter how challenging and her work is helping them to understand their disability and does not realise the impact she has on these children’s lives.