A YOUTH club member has been recognised for his voluntary work.

Alex Bird, 15, joined Atworth Youth Club five years ago and has become one of the main young volunteers .

He was nominated by club leader Mavis King for a Youth Action Wiltshire award.

Last Wednesday, Alex received the Robbie's Endeavour Shield in recognition of his support and dedication and the voluntary work he has undertaken.

The shield is named after Robbie Robbins, a loyal supporter of Youth Action Wiltshire, who died in May aged 96.

Alex said: "I was very surprised when I was told about the award and could not believe I was going to receive it."

Alex, a student at St Laurence School in Bradford on Avon, helps with various sporting events at the youth club including football tournaments.

"I love it when things go right and I do get lots of satisfaction from the youth club and what we do," he said.

Mrs King said: "Alex is an asset to the youth club. He is helpful and enjoys organising events and is just a great asset."

Youth Action Wiltshire's special award went to Sally Brown, of Broughton Gifford Youth Club. The award recognised Sally's outstanding behaviour and commitment to Youth Action Wiltshire's philosophy of friendship.

Atworth Youth Club has had some more good news, its second grant in two weeks.

The club was first given £200 by West Wiltshire District Council, and has now had a further £500, which it intends to spend creating a drop-in coffee shop for older teenagers.where they can enjoy a casual chat and coffee away from home and school.