A TEENAGE volunteer who has won a prestigious Diana Award is urging other young people to take up volunteering.

Brandon Donnelly was honoured with the gong, which is supported by Prince William and Prince Harry, for his work in Glasgow's east end.

The 16-year-old volunteers with PEEK - Possibilities for Each and Every Kid - where he has been involved since the age of five.

Brandon was one of 750 young people from around the world to be included on the roll of honour for the Diana Awards, set up in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Brandon said: “If you ever get the chance to volunteer, take it up. It will be the best thing you have ever done.

“I’ve benefitted a lot from it. I’m more confident and organised.

"Working with young people is something I want to do for a living in the future now.”

PEEK helps young people aged five to 25 in the east end to unlock their potential.

Brandon, from the Calton, is part of the youth group, providing activities for children aged five to twelve in the Gallowgate and Calton areas of Glasgow’s East End.

He volunteers once a week helping out with Street Play, which encourages youngsters to put down their iPads and phones and come out to play.

The St Mungo's High School pupil said: "We go to parks in quiet areas and encourage kids to come out and play.

"It's completely led by the kids so whatever they want to do we help them with.

"I used to go to any group at PEEK that I could - drama, singing - but now I'm involved through volunteering and helping other young people."

His talent for youth leadership has been rewarded with a paid summer internship that is currently seeing him work five days a week.

He is based in PEEK's summer school in Dalmarnock Primary School working with children.

Brandon said he had no idea he had been nominated for a Diana Award - and was left speechless when his mum told him about it.

He said: "I had no idea. And when my mum told me about it I didn't even know what it was.

"Then she explained more about it and I had no idea what to say. I couldn't say anything."

CEO of PEEK, Melodie Crumlin, said: “Brandon is so deserving of this award.

"He is a fantastic young man, a positive role model in his community, to the children he serves and an inspiration to the PEEK team. I am super proud and privellaged to have journied alongside Brandon since the age of six.

"Life hasn't always been easy but he has shown great determination, commitment and resilience as a young leader.”

PEEK was an Evening Times Community Champion in 2011 and staff from the organisation have won several of our community awards over the years.

The charity took the East End Team Award and the Grand Final Team Award.

In 2012, the Senior Award went to Tommy Healy, who had been volunteering in the local community for 50 years, including with PEEK.