A FORMER member of a youth club has given up his own time to help out with younger children.

Chris Shaw, 18, of Malpas Road in Rudheath is our latest winner of the teenager of the month award.

The competition has been launched by Northwich Rotary Club in conjunction with the Northwich Guardian.

Kathy Venables, who nominated Chris, said as a teenager he showed a natural ability to communicate not only with adults but with many of the younger children at Lostock Youth Club.

She said as volunteers were often scarce they had approached him with a view to him helping out at some of the junior sessions.

Kathy said: “It has now been five years since Chris became a volunteer and even though he has outgrown the youth centre he continues to give his time each week.

“He organises the games in the sports hall which include fooball and dodge ball.

“He is not afraid to pitch in with away days and has helped with a trip to Go Ape.”

Kathy added: “Chris is an exceptional young lad, in many ways like your other winners is proof that not all ‘youth of today’ are selfish, mean and uncaring.

“This is only a few hours a week but it is a few hours which many adults wouldn’t give up.

“He realises the important part these type of activities can have on the community.

“These young children will be teenagers themselves one day and we hope that Chris inspires them and carries on his good work.”

Is there a teenager (13 to 19) you know who is perhaps a young carer or a sportsperson who encourages others?

Or is there someone who helps others despite suffering ill health, or even a youth leader – the possibilities are endless.

They need not be a star with the greatest cricket score but someone who will go that extra mile and be in accord with the Rotary motto ‘Service above Self’.

A prize of £100 will be awarded each month to the young person whom The Guardian and Rotary Club consider best meets our requirements to be Teenager of the Month and be a role model for other young people.

At the end of the year readers will have the chance to vote for the most outstanding young person who will become Teenager of the Year and win £500.