A BUDDING snapper and dedicated volunteer has scooped a prestigious award at a star-studded ceremony.

Jack Montoya, 19, of Fulham, gave up his summer to volunteer on the media team of the Balfour Beatty London Youth Games which saw 50,000 athletes between the age of seven and 18 and from 33 London boroughs compete for honours.

The teenager beat off two other nominees to win the GamesForce Volunteer of the Year in front of a star-studded audience at a glitzy ceremony at Lord's Cricket Ground last Thursday (9/9).

He received his prize from Olympic 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu and Terry Ryall, chief executive of V, the national young volunteers service.

He said: "This award means a lot to me. I don't know what to say, my heart is beating so fast. There are occasions where people say to you that they think you've won it, but this time I was unaware of it.

"It really is fantastic. It means a lot because through the London Youth Games I have done a lot of things, I have gained qualifications and it has opened many doors for me."

Guest at the awards included sprinting legend Linford Christie and Hugh Robertson, minister for Sport & Olympics.

Mr Robertson said: "The London Youth Games has been the launch pad for many of our top athletes and it is something that we want to build on with our nationwide Olympic-style school sports competition. Competitive sport can help us increase participation among young people - one of my top priorities in the run up 2012 – as well as help us unearth sporting talent for the future.”

Olympic gold medal winning cyclist Bradley Wiggins, England netball legend Amanda Newtown and England and Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand was also inducted into the Hall of Fame as former London Youth Games competitors.