A TAVISTOCK Community College has been named as a runner-up in the Devon Children and Young People Awards night organised by Devon Voluntary Youth Services.

Since 2008 Mark Lewis, a Year 7 pupil, has been involved in the setting up of Tavistock's Disability football squad, the Tavi Specials FC .

Mark's father Allen, founder of the Specials, said: 'Mark has always done his best to help at training and shows a lot of understanding and empathy with the members of the group, especially the more disabled and severe learning disabilities children.'

Mark's brother has had to live with autism for eleven years at home and this has given him an insight into the difficulties and stress of living with a child on this spectrum.

Allen added Mark was proud to receive his certificate for 'outstanding individual contribution award.

'It was wonderful seeing young people from all over Devon being acknowledged for their good works.

'We need to see the next generation lead the way and help show others that to give is far more rewarding than receiving so well done to all of them!'