CAMPAIGNING teenager Ryan Hope has received national recognition for his tireless community work.

The 17-year-old has been honoured for his voluntary efforts in Westham by winning a national award which recognises the achievements and ambitions of young people.

Ryan, of Norfolk Road, Westham, was this week announced as the winner of a CHANGEit award at a ceremony in London.

The judges were impressed with his work as chairman and founder of Westham Youth Forum, whose accomplishments have included creating two community gardens and neighbourhood litter picks.

He beat off more than 1,000 applicants and made the shortlist of seven in the performance category. Ryan, an engineering apprentice and former Budmouth Technology College student, is still reeling from his win.

“I’m over the moon,” he said. “My category was the last one so the tension was so high.

“I was so shocked and surprised because there were so many other people there who deserved it.”

The three winners were given £750 each and Ryan is now deciding how to spend it. He said: “Everybody has told me to spend it on myself, but I’m planning on spending a bit on the youth forum.

“I’m also thinking about doing my theory test for my driving licence and having lessons.”

Ryan attended the awards ceremony with proud girlfriend Shannon Cox and Westham Cops chairman Chris Edwards.

Mr Edwards, who nominated the teenager, said: “The award was well deserved. The work he has done has achieved more for Westham in the last couple of years than a lot of people have done in their whole lives, and also for the kids of Weymouth.

“He is a good example not just to kids, but to older people in Weymouth who just sit around and moan without doing something about it.”

Both Ryan and Mr Edwards said it was humbling to meet other community-spirited youngsters from all over the country at the London bash.

Ryan said: “I have met some really amazing people and we have exchanged emails so we can share ideas for projects.

“In Weymouth there are not many people who are doing what we do and some people even say we are wasting our time.”