28404WESTBURY schoolboy Jonathan Bates has made a big impact in Wiltshire since his arrival 18 months ago, and he has now been recognised for his efforts.

Jonathan, 15, of Oldfield Park, was presented with the youth award at the People of Wiltshire presentation night at the Civic Hall in Trowbridge.

On moving from Yorkshire to Westbury a year and a half ago, the Matravers School student immediately got involved with the community.

He sits on the school council and always has the time to spare to help younger students in his role as tutor helper.

He also organised a fund raising event called "Do it in Denim" to collect money for cancer research awareness.

Jonathan was nominated for a school and community prize for his continuing help at school and he also cares for several elderly neighbours by doing their shopping and looking after their gardens.

He was hailed a hero in March when he came to the rescue of an 89-year-old woman who had fallen at her home.

At the time neighbours said that without him the stricken Muriel Wheeler, 89, could have died, but Jonathan is remaining modest about all his work.

He said: "I would not call myself a hero, I just like helping people out. Getting the award was very exciting though because I didn't expect anything.

"I think that sometimes people need a hand so why not give it to them. I have always got time to help people."

When he leaves school he would like to become a carer. He was nominated for this award by the entire school via a voting system on their intranet.