At 16, Andrew praised as 'a true inspiration to us all'

Sixteen-year-old Andrew Scott has received a Special Achievements Award from North Yorkshire County Council's youth service staff.

The award was presented at his final assembly at Risedale Sports and Community College, in Hipswell, near Catterick Garrison.

Andrew received the award in recognition of his commitment to his local youth club, Risedale Youth and Community Centre, which is based at the school.

Andrew, from Catterick Garrison, has given up as many as four evenings a week for the past two years to help staff run the club.

The teenager even offered up his lunchtimes to work as a prefect.

He sacrificed his Saturdays to work on the Richmondshire Area Motorcycle Project.

The programme aims to stop youngsters hanging around on the streets. Professional bike instructors from North Yorkshire Police and the Royal Military Police work with teenagers to improve their bike skills.

Gill Morrissey, a senior youth worker at Risedale College, said: "Andrew has been so committed to supporting the youth centre.

"He has never let us down and is always the first to arrive and the last to leave at night."

Having just left school, Andrew is now undertaking a modern apprenticeship in motor vehicles at a garage in nearby Richmond.

He said he would "definitely keep on volunteering". He said he was eager to work towards his youth worker's qualification as soon as possible.

Andrew was praised by county councillor Caroline Patmore, executive member for children and young people's service.

She said: "Young people often get a lot of bad press, so it's fantastic that Andrew has done so much good for young people in his area, entirely off his own back.

"He is a true inspiration to us all and I only hope that other youngsters across the county will follow his lead."

For more information about volunteering opportunities or youth services in North Yorkshire, contact Vivienne Osborn, area youth work team leader, on 01748-824720.