A SECONDARY school pupil has won an award for her leadership skills.

Freya Gillies-Foers, a sixth form student at the Marches Academy in Oswestry, has received the Rotary Young Leadership Award (RYLA).

Each year Oswestry Rotary Club sponsors up to two young people to attend the five night RYLA course at Arthog.

Freya was the speaker at Oswestry Rotary Club to thank their members for her RYLA experience at Arthog in August.

The five night residential course had challenged Freya as it provided many obstacles for her to overcome.

"I was so far out of my comfort zone. Not only had I never done any of the physical activities that these courses are known for but I had never even stayed away from home for so long before," she said

"I learned a lot about myself and became more confident and assertive in group situations - skills which I will put into use when I move on to university next year."

Thanking the club, sixth form student support co-ordinator Anita Wyatt, who had been part of Freya's selection process, said: "Freya has visibly blossomed since attending, and has been much braver and aware of her strengths and weaknesses.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for our students, so thank you!"

Freya is studying A-levels in English literature, RE and media.

She wants to do a degree in English literature and become a writer.

Oswestry Rotary Club's youth chairman Jayne Middleton, said: "It’s wonderful to be able to make a difference to a young person’s life in this way.

"That’s exactly why I wanted her to have the opportunity."

Freya received her RYLA certificate from Martin Davies from Borderland Rotary Club, which organises RYLA in the district.