Telegraph & Argus trainee reporter Andrew Hebden was named the winner of the Prince's Trust Local Reporting Award at a ceremony at St James's Palace.

The Prince of Wales praised Andrew 23, for his inspiring story of an "unsung hero." The Prince, pictured with Andrew, congratulated local newspapers for covering the "really special" things that are happening as well as the "disaster" and pain.

Prince Charles added that the award, which is run in conjunction with the Newspaper Society, helps remind us of how many "marvellous young people there are out there... so many young people who do not get the recognition they deserve". Andrew won the award with his feature on teenagers in Bolton Woods who are campaigning for better facilities.

His report told how lack of leisure facilities triggered incidents of unruly behaviour but also spurred youngsters into setting up a committee to turn the situation around.

Chris Webster, 14, who set up the group, alongside Anji Dibb, youth worker at Bolton Woods, also met the Prince and Gary Lineker, an ambassador for the Prince's Trust.

The prince also spoke of his personal pride that the trust has helped 500,000 people since it was set up in 1976 and said he hoped the award would encourage more young reporters.

Andrew said he was "totally surprised" at his win and the award, a beech bowl carved by youngsters involved in the trust. Of his story, he said: "When I spoke to them about their stories they seemed quite a special and inspiring group who were prepared to make the first step."

T&A editor Perry Austin-Clarke said: "We are very proud of Andrew who is an excellent trainee and is well on the way to becoming a superb journalist.

"His continued success is a testament to the high quality of training we offer our young staff in Bradford and we're certain Andrew will go from strength to strength."