The Endeavour Award commemorates the achievements of 18-year-old Private Michael Tench, who was in the back of a Warrior armoured car which was blasted by a roadside bomb.

The trophy, a solid silver bugle on an oak base, is handed to determined pupils from his former Sunderland schools – Southwick Primary and Hylton Red House – who go the extra mile to shine.

And the first Endeavour Award has been handed to 11-year-old Kallam from Southwick Primary School.

Michael's mum Janice Murray, from Carley Hill, made the presentation.
Janice said: "It was a very special day because this was the first award to be given out. It was also great to get along to the school and meet everyone. Kallam is a really dedicated and talented pupil and I'm looking forward to coming back next year for the awards."

Headteacher Trisha Stoker added: "It's the start of a wonderful new tradition at the school. The award will be presented each year to pupils who show the qualities of endeavour and determination. Kallam certainly deserves the honour."

Another award is expected to be given to a pupil at Hylton Red House School.

Michael was killed in Basra on January 21, last year. His family was initially told he had died of a chest wound.However, several days later they were informed his funeral needed to be postponed for DNA tests to be carried out on separate body parts, and only months later learned the true extent of his injuries.

Janice has since continued to campaign to improve communications with grieving families, and to find out why she was given false information.
A fund set up in Michael's memory has raised £12,359, to buy an incubator for Sunderland Royal Hospital's baby unit and Janice is hoping kind-hearted Wearsiders will continue to back the scheme with a big push towards the £16,000 target.

To donate, send a cheque to the neonatal unit at the hospital, and mark the envelope "Incubator appeal in memory of Michael Tench".