A CHRISTIAN schoolgirl has made history by being one of the first from her faith to win a Jewish volunteering award.

Yoni Jesner Awards are usually given to Jewish youngsters who give up their time to help out in the community. But this year Pakistani Christian 13-year-old Hannah Chowdhry has broken the status quo.

The King Solomon High student was one of eight from the Barkingside school to receive one of the accolades, set up in memory of a 19-year-old Yoni Jesner who was killed in a bus bombing in Tel Aviv in 2002.

Hannah regularly gives up her time to volunteer for the Ilford-based British Pakistani Christian Association (BCPA), Redbridge recycling and civic pride projects.

This year she helped organise the BCPA’s annual Easter parade, which welcomed 15,000 visitors and brought together performers of different faiths.

The teenager also spoke about her volunteering experiences with fellow pupil Samuel Feldman at the award ceremony last Tuesday (July 11).

She said: “I’ve been volunteering from a young age – it’s hard not to with a father who is so active in the community.

“But I’ve always enjoyed it. I believe there is something so natural about helping other people.

“I hope my efforts help build bridges and strengthen our society to create a safer future for us all.”