SIXTH-FORMER Reena Morjaria is just like any ordinary 17-year-old.

She works hard at her A-levels, has lots of friends and loves nothing more than her weekly dancing lessons, but when Saturday comes she closes her books, puts her ballet shoes back in their box and sets off for Bolton Hospice.

Somehow, despite a teenager's hectic lifestyle, she still finds time to care.

"I love going to the hospice to support the patients and their families," she said.

"It gives me a sense of pride, but I do it to help others and not for myself."

Reena's dedication to other people has already won the hearts of fellow helpers at the hospice. And they say she is a shining example of Bolton youngsters at their best.

Fellow volunteer Sylvia Howarth said: "Reena really is fantastic. She's a credit to herself and she deserves some recognition. Everyone at the hospice says the same. You can't help but like her."

But Reena's good work is not just centred on the hospice. She has also set up a counselling service for fellow pupils at school.

The youngster, who is taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme, also does shifts at the British Heart Foundation charity shop and is part of a group of charity workers called Millennium Volunteers.

She hopes the experience of helping others will one day help her further her career.

"I hope to be a doctor one day, but to be a good doctor you have to be someone who cares. I think everyone should try to give something back to the community, but people can't always find the time."