VOLUNTEER work by 13-year-old Luke Pegler, of Bridgwater, earned him a Highly Commended in the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.

Luke, who goes to Chilton Trinity Technology College, Bridgwater, has given hundreds of hours of his time at youth centre ReCreation, in Rhode Lane.

He has worked in the kitchens, café and has also run discos.

Centre manager Les Riddle said: "He came to us and asked if he could volunteer so we gave him a chance to prove himself and it went from bad to very good in a short time."

His nomination reads: "He loves working there even though it's unpaid and wants to become a chef when he leaves school."