A YOUNG Bournemouth man has received a national award in recognition of his work as a volunteer.

Daniel Leaver, 20, won the award for Young Shop Volunteer of the Year from the Red Cross, after helping in the Bournemouth branch, on Old Christchurch Road for more than two years.

Gaynor Ravlin and Gareth Morgan from the Red Cross presented him with his certificate.

Linda Tramontini, the shop’s manager, nominated him for the award.

She said: “When he first came to volunteer at the shop, Daniel wouldn’t talk or make conversation – but over time, he has really been able to grow in confidence.

“Now, he helps out by fixing the children’s toys to make sure they’re clean and work properlyand putting things on the shelves as well as manning the till.

“Daniel is desperately trying to get a job at the moment and now that he has this – and we recently trained him up in first aid – it all should help him.

“He’s incredibly good and a sweet guy, so hopefully this will do something to help people like him to find a job.”