The British Youth Council has given its Make a Difference Award to the Methodist Church's Youth President.

The award recognises the effort, creativity, leadership and teamwork of a person under the age of 25 in the running of an organisation or project.

It is one of several Youth on Board Awards from the British Youth Council that celebrate organisations and projects that support youth participation.

Sam Taylor, the 19-year-old Methodist Youth President of the 2011/2012 session, was selected by a panel of young people with the British Youth Council.

He said: “I'm amazed to have won this award. It's been a massive privilege to serve in this role. It's made even better by the children and young people that I've worked with, they have such passion and enthusiasm; that's what makes the difference.”

Rosina St James, Vice Chair of Participation & Development at The British Youth Council said: “We are delighted to announce that a panel of young people chose Sam Taylor, Youth President of the Methodist Church, as a Make a Difference Award winner.

"Our Youth on Board Awards celebrate organisations and projects that support youth participation in innovative and exciting ways, and mark the fantastic achievements that can happen because young people are supported to get involved.

"The awards are special because all of the selection and judging is done by young people, and we hope that flagging up these projects will encourage others to follow in their example.”

Jude Levermore, the Methodist Church’s Children and Youth Ministries Coordinator said she was delighted that Taylor had won the award.

“It really reflects just how outstanding he has been at representing the views of children and young people into the governance structures of the Methodist Church and how loudly and articulately he is speaking out on issues of faith and justice.”