A 15-YEAR-OLD who has raised hundreds of pounds for charity has been recognised with an award inspired by Diana, Princess of Wales.

Since he was 11 Tom Markland has thrown himself into fundraising for a vast array of good causes including children’s charity Make A Wish, Children in Need and Macmillan Cancer Care.

He has undertaken a sponsored silence, gone the distance in a 10-mile walk, and organised bingo and bag packing at Tescos in aid of others.

The Abbey College pupil was given the Diana Award, which honours young individuals who have contributed selflessly to their communities, after being nominated by teacher Liz Ferreira.

Tom said: “I am over the moon about it. I have got the certificate in a frame and my award is on display. I fundraise for charity because it is the person I am.”

Miss Ferreira said: “We at Abbey College are extremely proud of Tom. This award will encourage him to continue his work and will hopefully inspire others to get involved.”

Members of the Abbey College behaviour committee were also presented with certificates of excellence by the Diana Award team for their work on the new school ethos.

The team of 14 pupils developed a scheme in which co-operation, organisation, motivation, tolerance, maturity and initiative replaced what they felt were staid and tired old school rules.

Each week a different value is highlighted and pupils are asked to sign up to an agreement they will honour that value.

Committee members are Catherine Ashenden, Tanaatsive Mashanganyku, Cally Skinns, Laura Hobbs, Chelsea Elmer, Keiron Exley, James Tye, Alex Butson, Joanna Knaepel, Ryan Leach, Hayley Anderson, Claudia Kidd, Kieron Davis and Emma Markland