Charlie Bennett was surprised by a trophy for his good deeds in Weymouth.

Pensioners nominated the youngster for his contribution to the community with the Westham Youth Forum.

Charlie, 11, was awarded the cup in a surprise presentation at the opening of a community garden.

Now the cup has pride of place in the home Charlie shares with mum Debbie Bennett and Richard Perrin in Hereford Road.

Conifers Primary School pupil Charlie said: “I was very happy.

“I nearly cried. I enjoy the forum because I like to do a lot of outdoor things and I have really enjoyed digging in the garden because I like getting muddy.”

Charlie was the first ever recipient of the Bambury-Walker Cup.

The award is to be presented annually on behalf of senior citizens of Westham to a young person who has made an outstanding achievement to the community.

Michael Bambury-Walker, of Fieldbarn Road, Southill, presented the cup to Westham Youth Forum, who selected Charlie as the most deserving candidate.

Mr Bambury-Walker said: “It was an opportunity which I felt I couldn’t miss in recognising and acknowledging the behaviour of young people in the area towards their peers.”

Charlie was given the cup in a surprise presentation during the official opening of a community garden in Bedford Road, a project led by the youth forum.

The £10,000 project has seen around 100 volunteers of all ages picking up a spade to help, and it was officially opened by harbourmaster Peter Moles.

Forum chairman Ryan Hope, 17, said: “The opening went really well and we had a brilliant turnout of about 50 people.”

Ryan said he selected Charlie because of his dedication to the scheme. “Charlie came down to the garden and just got on with things,” he said. “He just sets himself a goal and he goes for it.”