The Celebrating Forces Families awards took place earlier in the year to give thanks for the huge contribution that UK military families provide to the armed forces community.
Ellie O’Gorman won the Young People’s award for her work setting up youth drop-in sessions at Fort George in Scotland, where her dad is based with 3SCOTS.
She said: “I started the drop-in when my dad was deployed to get us out of the house.
“We’ve had a Haunted Mansion event, we play rounders and hockey, make cakes, and hold parties at Christmas.
“It now runs two nights a week, with about 30 younger children on Wednesdays and 20 to 25 older children on Thursdays. It has really brought the community together.”
As the family were unable to travel to London for the ceremony, a live link was set up from the local community centre and Ellie’s mum Clare presented her with her award.
She said: “I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone that Ellie had won, not even her dad! It was worth it though, I felt honoured to present her with her award.”
Ellie added: “Thanks to the welfare team for having faith in me and to mum and dad for all their support.”
Read more about the awards on page 29 of the summer Army&You