A TEENAGER is through to the final of Britain’s largest volunteering awards and is one of only three left in his category.

Matthew Chambers, 16, from Norton, near Stockton, was nominated for his work with Cleveland Police and Crime Youth Forum. He gave up more than 50 hours of his time to organise a youth hustings in which teenagers from the area were able to put their views to the new Police and Crime Commissioner.

Matthew said: “It’s such an honour to be named a national finalist for the vInspired National Awards. I don’t volunteer for recognition, but it’s great to know that people appreciate what I do.

"I hope that I can inspire other young people to volunteer and make a difference in their communities.”

Clare Scott, from charity Safe in Tees Valley, nominated him for the ‘bringing communities together’ category.

She said: “Not only did he manage to bring 80 young people from across the Teesside area for the hustings, he rented the venue and publicised it too. I’m absolutely chuffed to bits for him.”

The overall winners will be announced at a ceremony in central London on March 26.