Ben, a staff sergeant in the Dearham Company, was given the Queen’s Award for efforts including completing more than 70 hours of volunteering with the Children’s Society and raising more than £300 for Team Evie in a sponsored one-mile swim at Windermere.
Ben, of Crosby, has also regularly helped instruct in company badge work, completed 30 hours of rugby training and worked towards gaining a driving licence.
He was among 20 young people who were presented with their awards by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Warren Smith in a ceremony near Oldham.
Ben, who is studying to become an accountant at Carlisle College, has been a member of the Dearham Company for 13 years and hopes to return as a helper after his studies.
He said: “I have really enjoyed my years with the company which has given me confidence and taught me a lot about loyalty. I appreciate the work which the captain does for us and although I am taking time out for my studies I would like to return one day.”
Company Captain Paul Gilmour said. “His commitment, enthusiasm and hard work has made Ben a very worthy winner of the brigade’s number one award.”
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