A PENARTH teenager has beat off competition from across Wales to be crowned Young Volunteer of the Year under 25.

It's the second time that Max Williams, a volunteer with the Penarth Youth Project and the Vale’s Asperger youth group United Youth Club, has been rewarded for his efforts, after he was recently named Volunteer of the Year aged 14-18 at the Vale of Glamorgan Youth Awards.

The award, presented by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, was contested by volunteers from all over Wales, with Max being named the winner.

He has also received his Millennium Volunteers Award for completing 200 hours of volunteering.

Tracey Downes, manager of Penarth Youth Project, said: “Max is a great role model for other young people, especially those who are on the autism spectrum, as he demonstrates how much a person can achieve when they are supported by just being themselves.

“He has not set out to inspire other people, but to challenge himself and face his challenges head on, and he does not know the true extent of how much he is a role model to others and how much he is an inspiration to many more.

“Everyone who has the pleasure to meet Max is taken by his infectious good nature, his gentlemanly manners and his caring attitude. He deserves this special recognition because, in short, Max is a very special person.”