A young carer who devotes her spare time to cheering up members of her church has been hailed a hero.

Cailin O'Neil is guaranteed to be found handing out her famous "Cailin cuddles" to elderly members of St John's Church in Churchdown every Sunday.

Now her dedication to improving others' lives has won her a nomination for a Pride of Gloucestershire Community Award.

The 11-year-old, who lives with her parents Katrina and Gerald in Innsworth Lane, has been put up for the Young Community Hero award.

Now in their third year, the awards are run by The Citizen and its sister paper the Gloucestershire Echo to honour the good deeds of residents throughout the county.

Caitlin's mum Katrina, 50, said she was delighted with the nomination.

She said: "We were so chuffed when we heard, and we are just pleased she has been nominated. No one deserves it more. mPeople are always telling us how happy Cailin is and what a difference she makes to their lives. She is such a wonderful girl and we are so proud of her."

The Young Community Hero award, which is sponsored by Gloucestershire College and the University of Gloucestershire, celebrates youngsters who are working to make their community a better place.

Cailin, a devout Christian who chose to attend Bishop's College in Longlevens, is also involved with Horizons Youth Club in Churchdown and the Carers' Club.

Katrina said: "She has twice done sponsored bounces on a bouncy castle to raise money to keep the youth club going.

"She also does a lot at home. My husband and I are unemployed and he is classified as disabled. He suffered a head injury in an accident a while ago. Cailin helps out so much around the house. She often cooks her own meals.

"She is wonderful."

Cailin was nominated for this year's awards ceremony, which will be held on June 19 at Gloucester Rugby's Kingsholm ground, by a member of her church.

Other award categories are Local Hero, Caring Hero, Environmental Hero, Brave Heart Hero, Community Project of the Year, Public Sector Hero, and a Readers' Winner, which will be voted for by The Citizen and Echo readers online from all the outstanding nominations.

Details of these will appear on www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/pride once all nominations have been submitted and shortlisted.

■ For more news from Churchdown log onto www.thisisgloucester shire.co.uk/churchdown