IT may be thought that receiving the Robert F Kennedy Award for International Service to Learning would be enough for any student.

However, for Adam Short, from East Stanley, winning the award was just the icing on the cake for years spent helping to improve education.

The 19-year-old has been appointed to Changemakers, a national organisation that looks at how to encourage young people to become involved in their community.

This week he will receive a National Community Champion award from Margaret Lodge, Minister for Lifelong Learning and Higher Education, for his work to improve facilities at Tanfield School, as well as for his help with a number of other projects.

Adam's mother, Ann, said: "There are so many things he has done and I can't tell you how proud we are of him."

Adam is currently working with United World College, the Department for Education and the Parliamentary Youth Committee.