Three students from the Devizes area have been praised for overcoming adversity and helping others.

The trio were finalists in the Rotary Young Citizen Awards, which invites entries from Wiltshire, Somerset, Hampshire and Dorset.

Alison Watts, 16, of Edington and a pupil at Lavington School in Market Lavington, was awarded second place. The judges were impressed by her role as a peer mentor and head prefect at her school.

Out of school Alison assists at a Sunday schoolgroup at Edington Priory, helps an elderly neighbour with household chores and raises money for charities.

Alison, who hopes to study medicine in the future, said: “I like to do what I can, especially at my school. I am really happy there and I want to give something back.”

Liam Henry, 17, a student at Lackham College, achieved third place.

He is a corporal in the Devizes Air Training Corps and is a member of Lavington Sea Scouts.

Emily Morris, 16, a boarder at Rowdeford School, near Devizes, was a finalist in the awards. The judges said despite serious disability, Emily showed a great tenacity and zest for life.