Kingdown School pupil Kieran Strong said he is honoured to be recognised as the regional winner for the south west in the Best Young Volunteer category at the vInspired Awards.

Kieran, 14, who lives in Corsley, received the award for his work running an after school sports club, creating his own plans for football sessions and other sporting activities for youngsters across the community.

He volunteers his time coaching young people of different ages and abilities, as part of the Football Futures programme, including working with children with special needs.

Now in its ffith year, the vInspired National Awards, in association with RBS Early Careers, are the biggest of their kind, celebrating the achievements and dedication of young volunteers and youth workers.

Kieran, who is in Year 9, said: “It’s such an honour for me to be presented with this award. I don’t do it for the recognition as helping people is enough motivation, but I was amazed when I found out.

“It is nice to know that people appreciate the hard work I have put in. Volunteering has given me loads more confidence and really helped me to improve my outlook on life.

“My parents and teachers at the school were really pleased when they heard and they have given me all the support and help I needed to get to where I am now.

“It’s something I have been involved with over the past year and I love being able to run my own after school club. I’m very enthusiastic about sport and I would love to continue coaching in the future.”

Three national finalists will be selected from the regional winners, with the overall winner in each category to be announced at the vInspired National Awards ceremony in March at the Indig02 Arena in London.

Terry Ryall, vInspired CEO, said: “As a regional winner in the Best Young Volunteer category you need to demonstrate a complete dedication to volunteering and show how you have built positive relationships, brought people from diverse backgrounds together and strengthened communities.

“Kieran has done all this and more and should be immensely proud of his achievements. He is a complete inspiration.”