A TEENAGER from Clacton has been named as Tendring Council’s student of the year.

Sophie Hickson, 19, who works as a projects officer in the council’s corporate department, scooped the award.

She joined the authority in July last year as a business administration apprentice with the community safety team.

Cabinet member Lynda McWilliams said it soon became clear she was capable of performing a range of other tasks.

Within three months she landed the role of part-time projects officer and surprised staff by completing her apprenticeship within a year.

Mrs McWilliams said Sophie had earned herself an excellent reputation at the council and with outside organisations such as Essex Police and the fire brigade.

“She has gone the extra mile to ensure that she provides a great level of service,” she said.

The teenager has worked on high-profile projects for the council and is currently studying towards an advanced community safety award and other qualifications.

She received the award from Mrs McWilliams and council vice-chairman Val Guglielmi.