An 11-year-old girl has been honoured for fighting for the right to help out at her grandfather's nursing home.

Ashleigh Wiles, of Tristram Road, Ducklington, has been given a BT Seen and Heard Award for making a difference. More than a year ago she came up with the idea of doing voluntary work at Southmoor House Residential Home, where her 83-year-old grandfather Jim Wiles lives.

She wanted to do the work for a St John Ambulance Cadet Award Scheme badge, but was told she was not allowed, as it would be inappropriate for her to spend time with people suffering from dementia and confusion.

She spent six months persauding St John Ambulance, the nursing home and her parents to let her do the work.

Her father Bret Wiles said: "She had to do an accident risk assessment, and be criminal record bureau checked to get permission from the home, and meet the staff to see if they would back her. She was very determined.

"She brings them out of themselves, makes them laugh, and seems to get through to them.

"There was a music and movement session which was quite depressing really - a guy plays music and just a few of them would move their hands or feet.

"Ashleigh started joining in and just being silly and had them falling about laughing. Then others wanted to join in.

"Now they look forward to every Wednesday. She also managed to get through to one lady who is nearly blind, almost deaf and confined to a wheelchair.

"Ashleigh got her clapping and she absolutely loved it. Some give up on eating and Ashleigh was happy to sit and help feed people."

Ashleigh, who would like to be a children's nurse when she grows up, said: "It was very enjoyable. They liked me because I made them laugh."

Sophia Jeskins, care manager at the home, said: "Ashleigh is really special - she's not scared of this kind of work and is very open."