Thriston received the acclaimed Torch Trophy Trust Award, which had been dedicated to the memory of former Torch Trustee, Jimmy Hill OBE. The volunteering award was present to Thriston by HRH the Prince of Kent at the Royal Army and Navy Club in London.

The annual awards acknowledge the importance of volunteers in sport, a role which often goes unnoticed. The Torch Trophy Trust exists to encourage, reward and recognise the three million people in the UK who devote their spare time to volunteering in community sport and help to provide more opportunities for people to be active.

Founded in 1962, and with the 1948 Olympic torch used as its symbol, the awards have been recognised by volunteers for over 53 years.

Sir Bobby Charlton, chairman of the Torch Trophy Trust, was also in attendance and commented: “It is hugely important to honour the incredible volunteers that make sport happen in our nation. Without their passion and generosity, we would see participation numbers fall. We are delighted to recognise and highlight the fantastic worked achieved by these volunteers, who demonstrate professionalism and desire to continue improving their activity.”

Foundation volunteering coordinator, Martin Ingham, made the application on behalf of Thriston, and was pleased with the recognition of the young participant. He said “Thriston is an exceptional young man whose dedication to bettering himself and his community is truly inspiring. Thriston has spent the last few years juggling volunteering with the Foundation with his full time education alongside part time work and we are all very proud that his commitment has been recognised with such a prestigious award."