A KIND law student from Greenock who devotes his life to helping in his community has been honoured with a double award.

Corey Beaton, who is an Inverclyde Community Fund trustee and volunteer, helped organise a major fundraiser in tribute to his late mum Lorna who died in 2019 from cancer.

His work on the popular Inverclyde Stride event has helped raise thousands for local charities.

As a teenager Corey was a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament and at school he secured £3,000 for Ardgowan Hospice's youth counselling project, a cause so close to his heart.

Now the 21-year-old has been crowned the winner of the Saltire Ambassador Award and the 500 hours Saltire prize in recognition of his dedicated work.

In an emotional tribute, hospice chief executive Linda McEnhill, who presented the Saltire Ambassador Award, said: “Corey is an amazing young leader who we are undoubtedly going to hear great things about in the future."

Corey led a project at his school which focused on highlighting the hospice services his family had received.

When his project was judged to be the best the £3k prize fund went to Ardgowan's Butterfly Child Bereavement project.

Linda said: “Corey’s family were very proud of this and Ardgowan Hospice and all the staff were also incredibly proud of him."

As well as taking a role in organising the Stride, Corey also took part in the walk itself, raising money for the hospice.

Inverclyde Community Fund chairwoman Eleanor Robertson said: “Corey’s depth and breadth of volunteering is incredible.

"He is passionate, enthusiastic and wise beyond his years.

“His skills and talent are far reaching.

"It cannot be understated the contribution he has made to ICF and Inverclyde Stride but also the wider community with the time he has given."

Catriona MacLeod, development officer with CVS Inverclyde, described Corey as an 'inspiration and an incredible role model'.

She said: "We were so excited to present Corey with the awards at the Inverclyde Community Hub.

“We know that Corey’s story will inspire young people in Inverclyde to try volunteering and see for themselves the difference they can make to people’s lives and their community.

“There are so many opportunities for young people in Inverclyde and every charity and community organisation would love the chance to support young people, whether as a trustee or another role.

"Third sector organisations are always keen to gain the perspectives and talents of young people and I would urge every young person to browse Volunteer Inverclyde and get involved.”

The Saltire Awards are billed as the Scottish Government's way of celebrating, recognising and rewarding the commitment, contribution and achievements of young volunteers in Scotland, aged between 12 and 25.