A ST ANNES teenager has been named North West Millennium Volunteer of the Year after helping dozens of Fylde youngsters overcome life's obstacles.

Phil Bewley, 19, of St David's Grove, was nominated for his work with the Volunteer Children's Right service and Wyse Move Young Leaders, a project which supports young people who are homeless or about to leave home.

Organisers of the Millennium Volunteer scheme -- which aims to recognise voluntary workers aged 16 to 24 -- also praised Phil's courage in 'coming out' as young gay man.

A Millennium Volunteer spokesman said: "The award, seeks to highlight those who have shown exceptional levels of dedication, achievement or personal gain.

"Phil has a troubled history and had to overcome huge hurdles in his life.

"He was a victim of abuse as a child and is a young gay man in quite a tough homophobic community.

"But Phil has refused to see himself as a victim, and uses his experiences to help others. This is reflected by the variety of projects he has been involved in.

"He demonstrates how volunteering overcomes barriers and turns negatives into positives.

"Phil has made a significant difference to the lives of people he has met."

Phil, who has just finished a course at the University of Central Lancashire, has been involved with the Millennium Volunteer scheme for around four years.

His details will put before a national judging panel to decide which regional winner will be crowned the UK Millennium Volunteer of the Year at a star-studded awards ceremony in London in March.

Phil said: "It's wonderful and very unexpected to receive such an important award.

"I've never felt as though I was doing anything out of the ordinary by getting involved with the Millennium Volunteers and associated projects.

"It's always been something that has helped me as much as I've managed to help anybody else.

"But it does make me feel special to be recognised for making a difference to other young people's lives."