A STUDENT at a college for people with learning disabilities has been named the winner of a green community award for his work for the environment.

Dan Auton, 21, from Richmond, is a residential student at Linkage College in Grimsby, and took the Green Community prize at the first Viking FM Future Stars Awards.

The category was for a young person who looks after the environment in their area – from planting trees to caring for the local wildlife or championing recycling. They also inspire others to care about the environment and to do something about it.

Dan was recognised for looking after the animals in the grounds of Linkage, the specialist further education college for students with learning disabilities.

There are deer and pheasants in the grounds and Dan ensures that their habitat is maintained. He also helps tend to the grounds of several local organisations – all part of the City and Guilds qualification he is studying in horticulture.

Dan also volunteers for work experience at Green Futures – a Grimsby-based social enterprise which promotes a sustainable green lifestyle.

He said: “’I love it at Green Futures, I am proud of my award and so are my family. I like working outdoors, creating lovely flower displays.”