A SERIAL volunteer from Tytherington proved he had the making of a great philanthropist when he won the Thornbury Mayor’s youth award.

Chris Gardner, 18, who attends Marlwood School in Alveston, received the town’s highest accolade after being nominated by his school.

The A-level student was presented with his certifcate by outgoing mayor Gill Brooks and £100 was donated to his charity of choice, the Avon-North Mencap, which runs social clubs for adults with learning difficulties.

From helping his schoolmates with their French and Spanish during informal study groups, to chatting with and running errands for Bristol Royal Infirmary patients, to organising sporting activities for New Siblands pupils, Chris has accumulated more charity work hours over the past two years than most people will in their lifetime.

The modest teenager said his nomination came completely out of the blue.

"It was so unexpected," he said. "It was a nice surprise and an honour to be nominated by the school.

"And it was great to win. It looks like I do a lot but I do have a lot of free time."

When Chris was 16 many volunteering opportunities presented themselves through the school’s various schemes and partnerships. One of them was helping out at the Mencap club on Friday nights and he jumped at the chance to meet and entertain its members. From then he expanded his philanthropic horizons.

"Sixth form gave me some good opportunities and I decided to take them," he said.

"I found volunteering so rewarding. You meet new people and get to know them and chat to them. People really value the time you give them."

On Chris’s nomination form, head of post-16 Trish Rosevear praised the student’s "exceptional support to the school and local community".

She told the Gazette: "We were delighted to nominate Chris Gardner for the Thornbury Mayor's youth award. Chris has been an excellent role model as a volunteer helping with sports activities, crafts and social interaction. He is also a volunteer visitor for patients at a local hospital."

When asked which charity he would donate his £100 prize to, it was an easy decision for Chris.

"I’m going to give the money to Mencap. It was an obvious choice. They can definitely use the money."

And it came as no surprise to anyone when the teenager so devoted to improving the lives of others decided to pursue a medical career. He will be heading down to Plymouth University in September to read medicine - that is, if he passes all his A-levels. So for the time being he has put his volunteering duties on hold.

"I’m barricaded in my room just now," he added. "I’m preparing for my exams."