When teenager Peter Harding's popular mum died tragically at the age of just 39, he was determined the unique youth club she helped launch would carry on.

Now he has become one of the first winners of a new award named after Princess Diana.

Peter, 17, from Westergate, near Chichester, has received a Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Award for Young People for his outstanding contribution to the community.

Friends have told Peter that his personal courage and commitment to youngsters aged between nine and 12 made him the perfect candidate for an award and would have touched the heart of Diana herself.

But he said modestly: "I was really shocked when I heard about the award because I am just doing something I enjoy. But I am very pleased and I know mum would have been proud."

Peter's mother, Jane Harding, helped run the youth wing at Westergate which like all other centres only receives county council funding for youngsters from 13 upwards.

But she believed there was a need to provide facilities for younger children and launched a weekly club for kids aged from nine and 12 with help from Peter and his sister Sarah, 19.

Last year the family's lives were turned upside down when Jane died suddenly from a brain haemorrhage.

Peter decided the club had to carry on and his work led to the nomination for the Diana award which is designed to recognise young people who have improved the lives of others and also have "shown exemplary progress in personal development, especially in adverse circumstances."

The young wing is part of Westergate Community College and staff were so impressed by Peter's work that they decided to write his story and send it to the awards panel.

Brian Sullivan, head of community education, said everyone was delighted that Peter's nomination had been successful. He said: "It was very sad when Peter's mother died but he has continued his voluntary work and the club continues to survive and thrive."

Peter said he never thought about turning his back on the youngsters when his mum died. "I think it made me more intense about it and determined to carry on the work.

"There is lots of stuff for youngsters from 13 upwards but nothing for the younger ones, which is why mum started it off.

"Last Thursday, we had 60 children come along, so it is very popular. We play football, table tennis, snooker and next Saturday we are taking them all to Butlin's for the day. I really enjoy working with the youngsters and being there so they can have fun and something to do."

Peter, a former student at the community college, has just completed a catering course. He also has a younger brother Richard, eight, and lives with his coach driver dad, Keith, in Ivy Lane, Westergate. Mr Harding said: "I am very proud that Peter kept the youth club going. I know that his mum would have felt the same as well."