A COMMUNITY worker's commitment to disadvantaged young people has earned him a national award.

Mel Diack, 52, from Whalley, won the title of Local Legend in the National Lottery Awards 2005.

He has worked as a full-time volunteer youth worker for an organisation called the Trinity Partnership, based in Clitheroe, over the last six years.

BBC Fame Academy winner Alex Parks presented him with his award at a ceremony at the Eden Project, in Cornwall.

Mr Diack, who has already notched up awards from Childline and the Big Issue for his efforts, started working with young people after finding a group of young people hanging around his car in the early hours.

He said: "I thought I could either walk away, call the police, or ask why at the age of 12 and 13 they were out at 1am -- three hours later I was still there talking to them."

Mr Diack, who lives with his partner Kay, 53, works with 11 to 23-year-olds, mentoring them, helping them find employment and accommodation, and organising activities.

It is estimated that he has helped nearly 1,000 youngsters, many of whom have returned to education or found work as a result, and he has helped to bring in £42,000 of lottery money.

He said: "I am absolutely over the moon to receive this award.

"I couldn't believe I had won because there were so many other projects and people of such calibre. For me, just being there was a big honour."

But he said he would give all his awards away to help more young people.

He said: "These awards are great but they pale into insignificance next to the certificates, qualifications and medals the young people have achieved."

Mr Diack, who gave up work in hotel management because of arthritis, said there was no secret to his success in helping young people.

He said: "I think you have to build a relationship with them and not be a friend but be a mentor that can play it straight.

"If they have done something wrong, you have to let them know about it but you also look at the positives."

He added: "You also need a lot of patience and understanding -- I have never let a young person down yet."