A 15-YEAR-OLD has been described as a “credit to us all” by Carterton Lions Club after he went through to the finals of the Lions Young Ambassador of the 21st Century award.

Matty Yallop, of Ashdeane, Shilton Park, Carterton, has been involved in a series of activities and organisations within the community. He was one of 13 candidates to get through to the final of the award, which recognises young people aged between 15 and 19 for their outstanding community service involvement, leadership accomplishments, public speaking skills and scholastic achievement.

Carterton Lions entered Matty in the London and Home Counties regional final of the competition in recognition of his hard work and determination. He won — and went through to the national finals in Dudley, West Midlands.

Lions president Maddy Radburn said: “He was outstanding and is a credit to us all. “He held his ground and did Oxfordshire proud.”

The community-driven youngster, who attends Carterton Community College, is chairman of the local Youth Council, works at Allandale Youth Centre, and is the only under-18 member of the Neighbourhood Action Group. He is also part of Extreme Wheels – an annual skating event that takes place in Carterton.

Mrs Radburn said she was delighted when Matty won the regional final last month. She said: “The quality of the final was exceptionally high and the judges certainly had a challenge picking the winner.”

Matty was awarded £500 to spend on equipment for the Allandale Youth Centre. He has decided to buy a table football and an air hockey table. Matty’s mum Zoe Yallop and stepfather Dave Gillett said they were proud of him. Despite losing out in the national finals, Matty, said: “It was absolutely brilliant. Even though I didn’t win, it was a fantastic experience.”

witney@oxfordmail.co.uk