Eleanor (17) has become patron of The Association of Wheelchair Children, whose northern office is based in Beverley.

The charity runs free wheelchair mobility training courses for young wheelchair users and their families and Eleanor recently took part in one of the sessions.

She said: “I attended the event as a patron for the charity, which is such as a great honour as I am really passionate about charity work.”

Eleanor, who had never experienced being in a wheelchair before, added; “It was the most amazing day! I was able to attempt activities such as wheelchair basket ball, also skills such as mounting kerbs in a wheelchair – it was so scary!

“The activities were great fun and the kids clearly enjoy it. It was really heart-warming to see the kids improve their skills and confidence with each task.”

Another patron of the charity is Ade Adepitan, TV presenter and paralymics basketball player, who was one of the first young wheelchair users to learn his wheelchair skills on the courses.

The Association of Wheelchair Children is currently undergoing series financial difficulties because of the current economic crisis and is appealing to anyone who could organise a fundraising event for them.

The charity is totally reliant on charitable donations and receives no Government funding. Anyone who would like to help is asked to contact Roy Wild, tel (01482) 887163.

He explained; “As a small charity, with few overheads, even a small donation can help us to continue. All money raised will go directly into running wheelchair courses.”

The recent Beverley Folk Festival fringe events sponsored the charity this year and collections were made in some of the Beverley pubs which raised over £170.

Eleanor, a sixth form pupil at Beverley High School, has mixed with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars after starring in several top films.

She starred in the teenage film Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging and will appear in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, which stars Jonny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter.

She has also found time to fit in other charity work, returning earlier this year from a ‘life changing’ trip to India in her role as an ambassador for the international aid and development charity World Vision.