A community spirited pupil from Oakbank school has won an award in recognition of all his hard work for charity.

Matthew Binns, 16, was nominated for the Diana, Princess of Wales Award for Young People by teacher, Phil Artiss, after years of work for the Children in Need charity. This week the school received notification that Matthew had won.

Mr Artiss says: "It's an award for youngsters who have made an outstanding contribution to the school or the community.

"He does a lot of work for Children in Need and I put his name forward."

The year 11 pupil has held a fund raising evening at Oxenhope community centre every year between 1993 and 1998. He says he thinks he has raised around £6,000 through the raffles, games and stalls at the events.

Modest Matthew says he is delighted to have won the award and will be attending a presentation lunch with education minister, David Blunkett MP, and other winners on Tuesday, April 4 in London.

Oakbank had their very own presentation ceremony yesterday morning when Matthew's efforts were recognised in the school assembly.

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