A DETERMINED teenager who has excelled at school against all odds has been hailed an inspiration by Education Secretary David Blunkett.

Stewards School pupil Natalie Peirce, 16, abandoned lessons for one year to care for her three young brothers, after her father died of a heroin overdose and her mother became sick from to drug addiction.

But in the face of adversity, the headstrong youngster returned to school to study eight GCSEs and to help other pupils with similar problems ? an achievement which has won her a Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Award.

Impressed by Natalie's courage, perseverance, and willingness to help fellow students, Mr Blunkett, who presented the award last Tuesday, described her as his 'little spice girl' and has asked her to help advise the Government on truancy.

Speaking at the London award ceremony, where Natalie was one of 80 youngsters to receive the achievement award, he said: 'I'm going to ask if she wants to work with us in persuading others that you don't write off youngsters when they are not attending.'

Natalie, who now lives with ther aunt in Brockles Mead, dropped out in year nine because her mum was incapable of looking after her and her three brothers aged 10, five and two.

She said: 'I felt it was my responsibility. I was the only person there for them. It was my education or theirs. I lost all my confidence and I was terrified of returning to school.'

But Natalie, a talented dancer, kept in contact with understanding Stewards staff, who encouraged her to participate in dance events.

This gave her the confidence to return to year ten and help and advise other pupils with similar problems.

Praising the Parnall Road school for its help, she said: 'Stewards gave me a second chance. The staff have done so much for me. We have worked together and they have given me the confidence to do things on my own.'

At last Tuesday's ceremony Poet Laureate Andrew Motion described Natalie as 'an articulate ambassador for the value of education.'

Piling on more praise was Stewards teacher Marie Erwood who said: 'She is an incredible role model for other pupils. She is an example of what social inclusion is all about.'

Natalie, who hopes to pass her GCSEs and plans to study expressive arts or child care at Harlow College, said: 'I am just going to keep on achieving and hope to work with kids who have the same problems.'

She added: 'I am honored to help Mr Blunkett. He said I was a shining role model. It made me feel great that someone with as much power as he has could turn around and say something like that to me.'