When single mum Zena Flerin suffered a brain haemorrhage, it would have been easy for her family to fall apart.

But teenage daughter Letticia wasn't about to let that happen.

While her mum was in hospital and then recovering at home, Letticia took over the running of the home and looking after her younger sister.

And she even found time to work as a volunteer with children who have learning disabilities.

Letticia's cool head and dedication to keeping her family on an even keel has now earned her a top community award.

The 17-year-old yesterday won first place in the SAFE Heaton and Manningham Young People's Citizenship Awards, which are handed out to honour youngsters who help to improve life in their communities.

Letticia, who beat more than 150 people to win the award, took over the role of a carer when her mum was taken to Leeds General Infirmary last October.

While her mum was having brain surgery she looked after her 14-year-old sister, Fabia, paid the bills, washed, ironed, cooked and single-handedly ran the house.

Letticia said: "When my mum was in hospital I had to keep a level head and do all the practical things, like making sure my sister had money for school and make sure she had her dinner in the evening.

"When mum came out of hospital, I still had to pay the bills and do the shopping. I'm really shocked. I didn't expect to win this at all."

In addition to helping out at home Letticia has also found the time to put in 200 hours work with the Millennium Volunteers, helping children with behavioural difficulties.

"I just do what I do, I see what I do as something that needs to be done, if I help someone along the way, then that is just a bonus," she said.

Single mum Zena said she couldn't have managed without Letticia, who has also recently received the Sky's the Limit' young action award from Calderdale Council.

Mrs Flerin said: "She grew up a lot in that time and really proved herself. When I found out how much she had done, I couldn't believe it.

"She's really soldiered on, and I don't know what would have happened without her."

Organiser Elisabeth Hellmich said: "We chose Letticia because we felt unlike other young people who had no choice about what they did, everything Letticia did was because she wanted to."

Letticia is now focusing on getting a job in the RAF.

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Elaine Byrom, West Yorkshire Fire service district manager, Keith Robinson, and author and poet Joolz Denby, attended the awards, which are now in their fourth year, at St Bede's School in Highgate, Heaton yesterday.

e-mail: ali.davies @bradford.newsquest.co.uk