A STRETFORD teenager has been presented with a prestigious award in recognition of his volunteer work by Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra.

Mohammed Ali Hanif, aged 19, was nominated for the 49th Annual Torch Trophy Trust awards by the Manchester United Foundation and the Premier League for his work on projects in Manchester, Salford and Trafford that aim to encourage more youngsters into sport.

While at the London event last week, Ali met with trust ambassadors Princess Alexandra and Sir Bobby Charlton.

He was subsequently invited to Manchester United’s training ground, in Carrington, to meet midfielder Nani and to talk to the United star about his achievements.

Ali said: “The Princess was really nice, it was really really cool. Some of the people who were at the ceremony were amazing. The things they have done for their sport are so brilliant.

“It has shown me that greatness comes from dedication, hard work and a true passion for sport.

“Volunteering has opened up so many opportunities for me. I have travelled, met celebrities and gained experience that I would never have got if I hadn’t worked on these projects.

“It’s also shown me that somebody having belief in you can push you to work and achieve beyond your normal standards. Without the belief of my mentors I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Ali, the youngest entrant at the awards ceremony, has given up more than 600 hours of his time, mainly to the foundation’s Kickz project, which aims to create safer, stronger communities through football.