An anti-drugs campaigner who has helped teach more than 300,000 children to live healthier lives has won the latest Leicestershire First award.
David Brown, who has worked with children for 16 years, is to use his £3,000 prize to help more youngsters understand the damage done by drugs, alcohol and smoking.
David, 62, of Cropston, was awarded Leicestershire First's Community Builder Award 2009 for his voluntary work as founder and a trustee of Leicestershire Life Education Centres.
The trust operates two mobile classrooms, staffed by trainers, which tour primary schools in Leicestershire.
Every year, an average of 25,000 pupils aged four to 11 receive lessons.
Mr Brown said: "We build self-esteem and the ability to make choices so children are less likely to drift into smoking, drinking alcohol and substance abuse.
"I now meet older teenagers who tell me they remember our messages.
"Hearing that first hand is the most rewarding aspect – knowing we have made a difference."
Mr Brown was presented with his award at Higham on the Hill Primary School, where one of the mobile classrooms was being used.
Maurice Thompson, the High Sheriff of Leicestershire, who set up Leicestershire First in 2008 with wife Vivien, presented the award.
Mr Thompson, of Lubenham, said: "David deserves recognition for the selfless work he has put in for more than 15 years.
"Helping young people to be healthy and free from the damage wreaked by drugs, alcohol and tobacco benefits the whole of Leicestershire.
"David has done more than any other person in the county to make that happen.
"To have helped 325,000 children during his years of volunteering makes David a worthy winner of our Community Builder Award."
Each winner of a Leicestershire First Award gets £3,000 which they must donate to a Leicestershire charity.
David chose his charity, Leicestershire Life Education Centres.
He said: "I'm delighted to win the award – £3,000 will be a significant help for the charity to continue in its vital work."
Nominations are now invited for the next Leicestershire First Awards.
The categories are Young Achiever, Citizenship and Judges' Special Award.
For details, call 0116 258 7328. E-mail Jane Avery: jane.avery@llrcommunityfoundation.org.uk
Or to nominate go to: www.leicestershirefirst.org.uk