Duchy College student winner of first Saffie's Smile Award

Ruby Reid, who studies Level 2 Animal Care at the college, has been recognised for her "outstanding bravery in overcoming adversity" and her commitment to helping others.

The Sun's newly established award celebrates children aged 16 and under who have shown remarkable character and have gone above and beyond to support others.

The Roussos family, who set up the Saffie's Smile Awards in memory of their daughter Saffie, the youngest victim of the Manchester Arena terror attack, surprised Ruby at Longleat Safari Park last month.

They presented her with the award while she was fulfilling a lifelong dream of feeding giraffes.

Ms Reid said: "I just can’t believe I was even nominated, let alone won.

"Mum says I am special but I don’t think I am.

"I’m just a normal teenager."

As well as winning the first ever award, Ms Reid and her family were presented with a trip to New York City, the place where Saffie’s Smile Award was initially launched by The Sun in July.

She added: "It was such a special surprise and such a shock.

"Things like this don’t happen to me, it’s both surreal and absolutely brilliant.

"I cannot believe I’m going to New York.

"Andrew and Lisa Roussos have been so warm and wonderful to me, I’ll never, ever be able to thank them enough for picking me as their winner.

"It means more than I could ever put into words."

As Ms Reid begins her journey at Duchy College, she continues to inspire those around her with her compassion, resilience, and dedication.

She is looking forward to working with mammals, fish, or bugs in the future, while gaining specialised training and qualifications at the college.

Hannah James, study programme manager for animal science at Duchy College Stoke Climsland, said: "We are incredibly proud of Ruby.

"Her story is truly moving and she embodies the very qualities that the Saffie’s Smile Award seeks to recognise.

"She loves working with animals and we look forward to seeing where her course takes her."