IT'S official. Busy teenager Andrew Graham is a real asset to his community.

The 15-year-old is the winner of the North West district Lions Club Youth Award Scheme. He has scooped a £500 bursary to continue his good work and a trophy.

Andrew, who lives in Brighton Terrace, Darwen, with parents Bernie and Frank, is deputy head boy at St Bede's High School in Blackburn. In his spare time he is a Beaver pack leader at Lower Darwen Cubs and runs lunchtime special needs clubs at his school.

He is also an altar boy at St Edward's Church and supervises a young swimmers class at Darwen Leisure Centre, where he is training to be a swimming coach.

The keen line dancer plans to use the cash to fund a climbing wall in the cellar at St Joseph's Church for use by the Venture Scouts, organise an under 13s swimming championship gala at Darwen Leisure Centre and buy equipment for the special needs club at his school.

Secretary Roy Watson, secretary of Darwen Lions Club, who nominated Andrew said: "He was up against 10 other candidates from all over the North of England. We are really proud of him and wish him all the best in the national finals of the competition."

Andrew is now in with a chance of winning a further £1,000 in the final round of the awards, which will be staged next month in Birmingham.

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