A dedicated young churchgoer and volunteer has been recognised for her many contributions to the community.

Augusta Joseph of Nightingale Lane, Wanstead, who helps with Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church has been nominated for London Young People of the Year awards or ‘YOPEYs’.

Augusta, 18, was put forward by Katharine O'Brien, youth co-ordinator of the church, who described her as a “wonderful example to others of faith in action”.

For 15 months Augusta has been an assistant holiday club leader for up to 35 under 16’s.

Augusta is also one of a team of volunteers who led up to 40 children at the fortnightly youth club in Our Lady of Lourdes primary school in Chestnut Drive.

She also volunteers at the nursery there two half-days a week and is an education leader in confirmation classes.

“She has a positive rapport with them and helps integrate new members,” said Katharine.

“She is particularly supportive of those who wish to try new activities and has introduced activities such as a table tennis competition.”

Through the Catholic Fellowship at another church, St Augustine's in Barkingside Road, she also gives one-to-one support on everyday tasks to young people who have medical problems, such as autism or only partially sighted.

Katharine said: “She is very dedicated to her faith and this shows in her kind and caring activities with others.

“Augusta is a great all-rounder who put her hand to anything to help other young people. She does it willingly and with a positive attitude and smile on her face.”

The teenager also has a part-time job as a carer working with disabled youths.

Augusta, who says her Christian faith is important, feels she is helping the church's work as well as individuals.

“I love helping young people. It's nice to know that you have made them feel good,” she said.

“I feel I have had a call to help young people with their problems.”

She hopes her volunteering and her paid jobs are all good experience for her wish to be a special educational needs teacher. She is studying for a BA in education studies at UCL Institution of Education in Russell Square, London.

YOPEY Founder Tony Gearing said: “Augusta is giving up a lot of her time to assist young people, some of them with medical problems, to help them with their lives.”

This is the second London YOPEY and it is supported by Takeda pharmaceuticals, Artemis fund managers, The Ritz London hotel and Arriva buses.

Cash prizes will be handed to winners from London and Essex.

To find out more visit http://yopey.org/.