A Conwy Youth Service member has received one of the highest accolades possible in her line of volunteer work.

Paige Dean, from Colwyn Bay, has been awarded the Diana Award for her work with the youth service, which she has been a part of since she was 11.

The award, set up set up in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, is the highest accolade a young person can receive for their social and humanitarian work.

Paige's interest in volunteering began when she assisted at a community arts event.

From there she has now developed into a key part of several projects in the Youth Service, including the Healthy Image project which promotes healthy lifestyles and physical activity to young people in Conwy.

As part of the initiative, Paige has helped to run sports sessions and activities at youth clubs, schools, in the community and at events.

She has also taken part in activities in the UK and abroad including visiting Palencia in Northern Spain with the “Filter Europe” project.

Paige said: "Being involved in the Healthy Image Project has been the best decision of my life. I’ve been able to grow alongside other volunteers into a better person by learning and helping inform other young people about issues that affect us.

"As a volunteer I’ve also been able to give back to my community, taking everything I’ve learned and putting it into action.

"Whether it’s taking part in a sports session, teaching young people about healthy living or getting involved in charity projects.

"The Healthy Image Project is like a second family to me, I’ve had an immense amount of support through good times and bad, and for that I am extremely grateful.

"I’ve been inspired by this project and my peers to never give up, and I intend to take that forward and continue to make a difference in my community.”

Conwy’s cabinet member for community development services, councillor Mark Baker, said: "I’d like to congratulate Paige on this well-deserved Award.

"It’s so gratifying to see young people benefitting from the activities and initiatives that are run by Conwy Youth Service.

"We’re particularly proud of volunteers like Paige who give back so much to their communities and create the right environment to help young people gain confidence and equip them for the future.

"She is an excellent role model and recently gave a speech at Conwy County Borough Council’s annual Youth Service Celebration of Achievement event, telling hundreds of other young people and adults about how volunteering has benefited her life.”

Paige received the award at a ceremony in Cardiff City Hall recently.

Nominations for 2019 are now open so if you know an inspiring young person who deserves to be recognised, visit the website: https://diana-award.org.uk/award/nomination-centre/.