The gruelling Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) awards pose a challenge to even the toughest teenagers.

But despite battling cancer, a 15-year-old schoolgirl has conquered the educational challenge, which requires pupils to take part in an arduous two-day hike.

Flynne Ewart-Biggs, of Acland Burghley School in Tufnell Park, was awarded the sports and physical activity prize at the Camden Youth Awards for overcoming adversity.

She said: “I couldn’t have done it without the amazing support of Kat my team leader and all my friends.”

The teenager, of Islington, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2013.

Despite her illness, she remained committed to achieving the DofE bronze award and successfully completed a trek through Ashdown Forest while wearing a heavy backpack.

She now aims to start work towards achieving the silver Duke of Edinburgh, the next level up from bronze.

A spokesman for Camden Youth Awards said in a statement: “Flynne’s high level of leadership, quality of communication and group dynamics supersedes her age.” He added: “She is a fighter and will make best of any situation.”