A YOUNG mum is in the running for a top award for her work to improve her neigh-bourhood.

Stephanie Swain, 20, of Patten Street, Colne, is through to the finals of the Whitbread Young Achiever Award and could win £2,000 plus a package of 'money can't buy' opportunities to help her expand her ideas.

Stephanie is secretary of the Waterside Community Garden Group and started volunteering two years ago.

She has already successfully campaigned for street repairs and a community garden and play area will be created later this year.

Ruth Mackie from Groundwork East Lanc-ashire was so impressed with the mum-of-one's efforts that she nominated her for the award.

Stephanie said: "I was shocked when I found out. There are only two of us from Lancashire in the final, the other one's from Lancaster.

"I got involved because it's on my street. I'm really happy when I see the work that's been done. Crime is down and the area looks a lot tidier. It's brought the community closer."

The young achievers awards recognise and reward the achievements of 16 to 25-year-olds who have actively engaged in volunteering projects across four categories -- arts, sport, community and environment - during the past 12 months.

The money, and a 12-month support prog-ramme, is given by Whitbread to allow the winners to further develop their projects. Last year's winners were given the opportunity to produce a BBC radio programme, to spend a day shadowing a government minister or to work alongside a national newspaper journalist for a day.

Stephanie is in the final 40 nominees and one of only 10 remaining in the environment category.

Ruth said: "Stephanie is a young single parent, but this has not deterred her from actively participating to improve her neigh-bourhood. Since the formation of Waterside Community Garden Group the sense of community in the area has grown to such an extent that the housing association no longer has vacant properties."