A dedicated youngster who has raised hundreds through sponsored walks and recycling projects while encouraging his school friends to do the same, has been nominated for the Exchange Ilford-sponsored Recorder/Redbridge Rotary Club Young Citizen Award.

A dedicated youngster who has raised hundreds through sponsored walks and recycling projects while encouraging his school friends to do the same, has been nominated for the Exchange Ilford-sponsored Recorder/Redbridge Rotary Club Young Citizen Award.

Tarun O’Dedra, 10, of Ramsgill Drive, Newbury Park, was nominated by his mum after spending a lot of his spare time raising money for various charities ever since he could walk.

Most of his fundraising is done through the temple his family visit, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden.

Tarun, a pupil at Gilbert Colvin Primary School, Strafford Avenue, Clayhall, said: “I feel really happy to be nominated and I hope I can show people that if you do charity work it is a good thing.

“The walks, which are usually 20km in length, were really tough at first but I am getting more confident as I get older.”

Tarun took part in a 10km walk in April this year to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, and despite having to study for his exams, he still managed to complete the challenge and fundraise beforehand.

His mother Gita said: “It is great that Tarun encourages children his own age to help him fundraise and do charity work, as many of them probably wouldn’t do it on their own.

“I think it encourages him to be a good person and I hope he continues when he gets older.”

Tarun has also been awarded two Blue Peter badges for his recycling work after he designed a poster to encourage more people to recycle.

He said: “I was gobsmacked when I was given my badges. I think it is important to recycle and I always do it at home.

“I have recently been litter picking in the community to help improve the local environment.”

The youngster also plays five instruments including the recorder and cello, and he was previously elected to help teach Commonwealth athletes.

Each month, a winner will be selected for the Recorder/Redbridge Rotary Club Young Citizen Award, sponsored by Exchange Ilford, and will receive �40 to spend at the Exchange Ilford retailer of their choice.

The overall winner of the award, for people aged 25 and under, will be chosen next year and will receive �400.

To nominate a Redbridge youngster, send a statement to the Recorder explaining, in no more than 150 words, why they deserve to be nominated, or click on the Young Citizen link on the home page of this website.