A teenage girl has become the eighth recipient of the Camborne Lions Club’s youth achievement award.

Tegen Saunders, 14, is a member of Carn Brea Swimming Club and was nominated for the award by her head coach Michael Kent.

In his letter to the Lions club, Mr Kent said Tegen showed “exceptional dedication” to her chosen sport and had never known her to miss a session except during illness or special school events.

“She is a joyful, helpful and intelligent young lady with a terrific sense of humour,” he wrote, adding that although Tegen accepted there were faster and stronger swimmers in the club, this never got her down and she still put great amounts of effort and time into her training.

“She is a pleasure to coach in every aspect of swimming,” wrote Mr Kent, who added that the award would give Tegen the recognition she deserved.