AN Old Trafford teenager has become the first-ever recipient of the ‘Jimmy Hill Award’ – a national accolade in memory of the football star.

Thriston Brady, 19, who dedicated more than 200 hours of voluntary service to community football in just one year, has been recognised by the Torch Trophy Trust; a charity which recognises and supports volunteers in sports and recreation across the UK.

He is the first person to receive the ‘Jimmy Hill Award’, in memory of the former footballer and TV pundit who died in December 2015.

Jimmy Hill OBE was a former long-serving trustee on the Torch Trophy Trust’s board and the Professional Footballers’ Association suggested the award would be fitting tribute.

Thriston, who was originally nominated by The Premier League, was presented with his accolade by presented by HRH Prince Michael of Kent at the trust’s 53rd annual awards ceremony on Pall Mall in London.

Torch Trophy Trust chairman Paul Dimond said: “Thriston epitomises the spirit of the trust’s aims in recognising outstanding volunteers and we’re delighted to have recognised such a deserving recipient of the first-ever Jimmy Hill Award.

“His tremendous work to support his community is deserving of the highest possible praise. Every year, the Torch Trophy Trust Awards reveal outstanding people whose selfless commitment has made a major difference. Without doubt, Thriston is one of those people.”

Originally a participant in the Kickz programme in 2007, Thriston has been a committed volunteer at the Manchester United Foundation since 2013. He spends three days a week helping coach and develop young people as a part of the Foundation’s Premier League Kicks project, which uses football to engage hard to reach young people.

He also volunteers at handball sessions and is involved in leading a youth exchange to the Netherlands.