A VOLUNTEER was beaming with pride after he won a national award for working with young people on a Pimlico estate.

Youth helper Edson Rabole has volunteered at Churchill Gardens Youth Club, on the Churchill Gardens Estate, for three years.

He has encouraged young people to take part in sports, as part of the Chelsea Football Club's Kickz programme.

For his efforts, Edson was awarded the V Volunteer Award at the Kickz 2009 Awards, held at Wembley Stadium.

Since working on the programme, Edson has achieved his level one football coaching certificate and is planning to take his level two course soon.

Edson said: "When I heard that I was going to be nominated, I was surprised because there are loads of volunteers at Chelsea, so to be nominated and then win a national award, I was honoured.

"I'd like to thank everyone who helped and supported me, like Jim Ball, Michael Cole and Paul Barnes, and everyone else at Chelsea Football Club and Churchill Gardens Youth Club."

The Kickz programme has been particularly successful in breaking down barriers and promoting healthy communication between the police and young people.

As a result of the programme, Chelsea has seen an increase in youngsters taking part in football, either through playing, coaching or officiating.

Mr Ball, manager of the Churchill Gardens Youth Club, run by Westminster Council's housing organisation CityWest Homes, said: "Edson is a fantastic role model and I'm thrilled he has received this recognition.

"Edson is extremely well liked and respected by other young people from the youth club and this admiration for him has lead to several other youth club members becoming voluntary workers.

"What Edson has achieved is brilliant and we're all very proud."