A Bournemouth teenager has won a national award for helping to tackle youth crime in his community.

Seventeen year-old Adam Leighton was at risk of being sent to prison himself a few years ago, but turned his life around with help from the crime reduction charity Nacro.

He now volunteers for the charity, helping run Nacro football projects in Bournemouth, aimed at reducing anti-social behavior.

Adam came top in the ‘sport’ category of the National Young Achiever Awards in a glitzy central London ceremony on Friday evening.

The awards recognise inspirational young volunteers, activists and social entrepreneurs between the ages of 16 and 25. Adam has also been given £1000 to help support his work with young people in Bournemouth.

Adam had a difficult childhood, he moved home and school a lot he turned to drink and drugs aged 13. Things got worse and Adam started stealing and getting into fights. With the support of Nacro, he has now turned things around.

“Thanks to Nacro I’ve been able to see a point to learning again and I’ve got my football coaching level 1 qualification. With the help from my Nacro project worker Dom Weir I have found a new passion for learning and want to try anything he comes up with to keep me busy.

“Now I have loads going on and lots to look forward to. Soon I’ll be finishing college with a BTEC in Sport and Leisure Management.

“Looking back, I’m really pleased I found Nacro I’d probably be in prison if it wasn’t for them. Now I’m on the right track and I plan to keep going with my education and get a better future. To be recognised with a national award like this is just amazing, I’m absolutely chuffed.”