Four schoolgirls have been praised as positive young role models after spending their lunchtimes looking after a youngster with Down's Syndrome.

Hannah Webber, Laura Bell, Danielle Denham and Grace Phillips, from Tanners Wood School in Abbots Langley, have become firm friends with fellow pupil Yasmin Fletcher after they volunteered to mentor her through school.

Now they could win a Young Person of the Year (Yopey) award after they were nominated by their Head of Year, Gill Kirkpatrick, for showing amazing commitment and dedication to their new friend.

Year 4 pupil Yasmin requires constant adult supervision and each term the school, in Hazelwood Lane, asks for volunteers to supervise her during break and lunchtimes.

The four ten-year-olds stepped forward and now spend their time playing games with Yasmin, also aged ten, encouraging her to mix with other children and helping her to choose healthy options for lunch.

They enjoyed looking after Yasmin so much they agreed to continue until the summer.

Yasmin's mum, Helen, said: "I can't speak more highly about the girls. They're incredibly committed to her. Despite her learning difficulties she knows what she wants and can be quite stubborn."

All four girls agreed, however, that they enjoy the time they spend with Yasmin.

Hannah, Laura, Danielle and Grace are now in line to win £2,000 at Hertfordshire Yopey final, on Friday, May 11.