AN “INSPIRING” former journalist has received an award for his work with a children’s charity.

Scott Roberts, who works for Barnardo’s, was named on a list of people who “really stepped up and helped their organisations face the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic”.

The former BBC Radio Sussex and Juice 107.2 reporter was presented with an Inspiring Communicator Award by CharityComms at its virtual award ceremony.

The Argus: Scott Roberts, from Hove, has been described as "one of a kind."Scott Roberts, from Hove, has been described as "one of a kind."

The 35-year-old’s love of radio led him to create a podcast series for Barnardo’s and he worked with young people to create an online radio station.

Earlier this year, Scott utilised his radio connections by arranging for a Barnardo’s Young Carer to meet pop star Billie Eilish on Capital Radio’s Breakfast Show.

The story went viral and the video has been watched over eight million times.

And if this was not impressive enough, Scott regularly volunteers with The Wave Project, a small UK-Wide charity which uses surfing to help young people improve their emotional and physical wellbeing.

As a volunteer, surf mentor, Scott runs the charity’s surf therapy sessions at Southwick beach.

His work helped to strengthen the links between Barnardo’s and the Wave Project through Barnardo’s See, Hear, Respond programme, designed to help young people who have been affected by Covid-19.

Through See, Hear, Respond Barnardo’s has been able to refer 286 young people to the Wave Project for wellbeing catch-up sessions.

Scott said that he was proud to have been presented with an award for his work.

He said: “I am delighted to receive this award from CharityComms.

“I am very grateful to all of my wonderful colleagues at Barnardo’s who have supported me during this uniquely challenging year.

“It’s great to be recognised alongside so many fantastic inspiring individuals in the charity sector.

“This year the Covid-19 pandemic has shown why charities play such a vital role in supporting the most vulnerable in our society.

“I hope residents in Brighton and Hove can keep on supporting the excellent work of Barnardo’s.”

A spokesman for CharityComms described Scott as “one of a kind”.

He said: “A practical visionary and a complete one off in the sector he really does make things happen with his wonderful personality and positive outlook.”