A CHARITY volunteer came close to winning a national award.

Ashley Timson, from Harrogate, was shortlisted for Volunteer of the Year at the national Children and Young People's Services Awards.

In 1999, after a serious bout of mental illness, Mr Timson began volunteering for NCH, the children's charity.

Now, the 45-year-old provides administrative support at the its North-East and Yorkshire office.

The ceremony, held at the Hurlingham Club, in London, was organised by national publications Children Now and Young People Now to celebrate the achievements of the voluntary sector across the UK.