A WHIXALL teenager has been recognised for her passion for birds with a national ornithology award.

Sian Mercer, 16, recently received the Marsh Award for Young Ornithologist by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).

She received the award for her work in organising bird-spotting events and activities that included bird walks and talks over the last year.

She also takes part in bird monitoring schemes, such as the Breeding Bird Survey, Wetland Bird Survey, Grasshopper Warbler surveys, and is a member of the British Trust for Ornithology's Youth Representative Scheme.

Arjun Dutta from the BTO, who nominated Sian for the award, said she deserved to have her work recognised.

He said: "Sian's love for nature and birds always comes first to her, rather than her own status, with this modesty often causing her work to go unrecognised.

"Her contribution to ornithology is huge, making her a very deserving winner of the BTO Young Ornithologists Marsh Award."

Meanwhile, Sian said she was delighted to receive the award.

She said: "I feel honoured to receive this award and immensely grateful to both the BTO and the Marsh Christian Trust.

"Being able to share my love for birds as a BTO Youth Representative is a real privilege, and I hope to continue to inspire others to connect to the natural world going forward."

Faye Vogely, BTO youth engagement manager, added: "Sian has been a fantastic asset to the BTO's Youth Representative scheme, and we are so pleased to see that her enthusiasm, knowledge, and skills have been recognised through this award.

"We're excited to keep working with Sian as she, and the wider youth volunteer team, continue to create new pathways for other young people to develop their interests in nature."

The award was presented by Professor Juliet Vickery, chief executive officer of the BTO, and Charles Micklewright, Marsh Christian Trust trustee, at the Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA) Natural Eye exhibition in the Mall Galleries, London.