A 19-year-old student has been crowned for her support of the Birmingham community.

Ilana Davis was commended by the Community Foundation in the West Midlands for her work at Birmingham Progressive Synagogue and wider community interests.

Ms Davis received the Young People’s Achievement Awards after being nominated by BPS treasurer, Carla Gonen, and the awards were presented by Bob Jones, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, at a ceremony in Birmingham.

A foundation spokesperson said: “The awards are made to recognise and celebrate the achievements of young people in the community as well as to encourage them to make further strides and inspire and motivate others to work as hard to develop their interests.”

Ms Davis, who is studying law at the University of Birmingham, teaches children at BPS’s cheder and has applied her musical skills by devising and directing a BPS concert with members of all age-groups; she is also the youngest member of the BPS council.

She is one of two representatives involved in a scheme to provide flexible volunteering opportunities for Jewish university students. Their support for the community includes helping to provide meals for the homeless, and carrying our voluntary work at the Andrew Cohen House Nursing Home.

Ms Davis, who has also taken part in a Future Leadership programme run by Ort, said of the award: “I am extremely honoured and proud because it has recognised all the work that is done to keep Birmingham Progressive Synagogue a thriving centre of activity.”