TEENAGERS have seen their good work recognised by winning a Diana Award.

Emily Warrillow, 14, won the Diana active campaigner prize for her work on getting an arson-plagued derelict building demolished.

She lobbied from October 2014 for the former Maccess office site, on the corner of Spen Lane and Nibshaw Lane, Gomersal, to be knocked down.

The eyesore building was described as a nightmare by residents and had been set on fire numerous times over the years, had smashed windows, graffiti daubed on it and was surrounded by rubble.

Demolition workers moved onto the site earlier this year after plans to replace the building with 36 apartments in two blocks were approved earlier this year. The new apartment’s foundations were laid earlier this month.

Her other work included holding an EU referendum debate at her school, Whitcliffe Mount School, Cleckheaton, which was attended by late Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox, just days before she was stabbed and shot in Birstall.

Emily, a Kirklees Youth Council member, is also planning to host an Inspirational Women-themed event at her school during the autumn term.

Her mother, Christine Warrillow, said: “I’m really proud of her.

“All of her family are proud of her too.

“Emily has got a lot of support from school.

“She can’t believe how far she has come.”

Emily picked up her award at a ceremony held in Leeds on July 13, where 36 students, schools and organisations from across Yorkshire and the Humber were honoured.

The Diana Award, is an initiative which is a celebration of Princess Diana’s belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better.

The award’s categories were Diana active campaigner, anti-bullying champion, champion fundraiser, champion volunteer and courageous citizen.

Meanwhile, four students from Grange Technology College, Haycliffe Lane, Bradford, also picked up a Diana Award, in the active campaigner category.

Sixth formers, Samirah Khan, Hanna Ali, Ayesha Ayoob and Amani Akhter, were honoured for being founder members of Brave Young Souls, a group of young social activists.

The group’s work saw them raise awareness, both in school and their local community, of issues particular to women and girls and on equality for all, focusing on rights for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

As a result of their work, students and residents are more mindful about how they speak and act towards all people, the school as

Dominic Wall, chief executive of The Southfield Grange Trust, said: “This group’s commitment and determination to raising awareness of issues faced by minority groups and promoting equality for all is an inspiration to us all.

“We are very proud of their achievements and look forward to following the future of Brave Young Souls.”