A PILL teenager has been given a police award after changing his ways to help members of the community.

Matthew Smith-Fell was given a Children and Young People’s Award on October 21 during a special ceremony held at Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s headquarters in Portishead.

Until a year ago, the 14-year-old was coming to the attention of police on a regular basis for antisocial and nuisance behaviour.

A meeting was arranged to try to help Matthew and it was soon found he had a passion for bikes and was skilled at building and repairing them.

As a result, he has worked as chief assistant on the Bike Project in Pill, engaging with the other young people, positively engaging with newcomers to the area and getting them involved in the Bike Project, which sees youngsters revamp and repair old bikes to give to people in the village.

Matthew has also worked tirelessly to put up the Christmas lights in the village and is busy with the Pill Rag Committee and the Pill Regatta Committee.

He also carries out gardening work and odd repairs for many of the older residents of Pill.

Matthew has now been described by the police as a young man that people are bringing to their attention for all the right reasons and as an example to other young people in the area.

Matthew was one of three individuals and three groups that were presented Children and Young People’s Awards on Thursday. Deputy Chief Constable Rob Beckley, who presented the awards, said: “It is great to see young people so involved in their communities.

“All of our winners have shown what can be achieved with dedication and hard work and the difference it can make to other people’s lives.”