Kingdown School pupil Kieran Strong said he was given a standing ovation by classmates, after he was named winner of the Best Young Volunteer category at the vInspired National Awards 2014.

Kieran, 14, who lives in Corsley, said: “It is amazing to have been awarded the Best Young Volunteer. The event was like nothing else I had ever been to and it felt like being at the Oscars.

“I was absolutely stunned when they read my name out. I went up on stage with everyone clapping and cheering and was presented with the award, but it was really surreal. I made a speech thanking the school and my parents.

“People kept coming up to me afterwards to say well done and how great it was that I was making a difference through volunteering. It was quite a reality check when I returned to school.

“I walked into school and everyone stood up and clapped... it has given me even more motivation to keep on getting more people involved in sport.”

In association with RBS Early Careers, the annual vInspired National Awards 2014 is the biggest event of its kind and was held to celebrate the achievements and dedication of young volunteers and youth workers.

Kieran picked up the award in London last Thursday after being selected from hundreds of nominations across the country for his work running an after-school sports club.

Through the Football Futures programme, Kieran runs the after-school sports clubs for young people of different ages and abilities, including those with special needs.

He was chosen over two others contenders in his category for his outstanding contribution to his community at the event, which included performances from Pixie Lott, Neon Jungle and Elyar Fox.