A Bristol teenager has won a national award for her work in Henbury encouraging other young people away from crime.

Amy Hillier, 16, is the overall winner of the National Justice Awards, taking home the Justice Shield from a ceremony at Banqueting House in London.

The award was given in recognition her commitment to diverting young people away from crime, anti-social behaviour and alcohol and drug abuse. She was also joint winner of the Engaging Communities Award.

After two serious attacks in the Henbury community in 2005, she became part of a steering group which sought to tackle the lack of trust between young and old members of the community.

After the event, Amy said: "It feels totally mind-blowing to win. I cannot believe it, I'm still shocked. It's a real achievement.

"Thank you for the support I have received from PC Nick Merrick of Avon and Somerset Constabulary and the teachers at my school in Henbury who really spurred me on with this."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown also commended Amy.

He said: "I want to pay tribute to teenage volunteer Amy Hillier, who won the top award, the Justice Shield, for her work in Bristol to encourage young people away from crime, antisocial behaviour and alcohol and drug misuse."

Roger Stratton, a 75-year-old farmer from Keynsham, won a Volunteer of the Year award in the Avon and Somerset Justice Awards last year, and was nominated to the National Awards this year for his work educating young offenders in prison.