NOT many 19-year-olds could say they've raised £100,000 – still fewer that they've given it all away to charity.

That's exactly what Courtney Hughes of Didcot has done in just six years.

Since launching her 'Secret Santa' appeal when she was just 13, the Didcot teenager has delivered £100,000 worth of Christmas presents to hospitals, hospices and care homes across the county.

We've been singing her praises and trying to support her good work in the Oxford Mail, but now you don't need to take our word for it: the Prime Minister has singled Miss Hughes out for praise.

This week Theresa May wrote to Miss Hughes personally to bestow upon her the Points of Light award – an accolade given by the Prime Minister to recognise 'outstanding individual volunteers'.

In a personal letter, Mrs May said: "Your ‘Secret Santa’ campaign has spread joy to hundreds of elderly and vulnerable people during the festive period.

"Your great grandmother Elsie would be incredibly proud of how you have given so many Christmas gifts in her memory.

"Due to your tireless commitment, the annual Christmas gift collection continues to grow in size and scale and is having a hugely positive effect on patients and vulnerable people across Oxfordshire."

She also won plaudits from her local Member of Parliament Ed Vaizey, who presented her with the award on the PM's behalf.

The Wantage MP said: "I have known Courtney for several years and am extremely pleased that her charity work has been recognised with this award.

"I have seen first-hand the joy she brings at Christmas, delivering gifts to patients, and I am hugely proud of both Courtney and her Secret Santa charity."

Miss Hughes's mum Claire, who she lives with in Great Western Drive, Didcot, said she was 'very proud of her amazing daughter'.

Miss Hughes, who works full-time as a nursing assistant at Didcot Community Hospital, said: "I am absolutely honoured to have been given this award.

"Hopefully by sharing ‘the gift of giving’ to others at Christmas will continue to inspire young people across the country to do something positive for those less fortunate in their communities."

Miss Hughes launched her Secret Santa campaign after visiting her great grandmother Elsie in hospital in December 2012.

Moved by the sadness of others stuck in hospital over Christmas, she decided to take gifts and decorations to people on the ward.

She is now the 859th winner of the Points of Light award, which was developed in partnership with the Points of Light programme in the USA.