Palace honour for community pioneer

Jake Bonsall and Youth Worker Donna Jones with the Queen and Prince Philip

A community once dubbed one of the worst estates in Britain is celebrating after being honoured at Buckingham Palace.

The Manor Estate, in Sheffield, had been riddled with crime, drugs and violence when it was labelled the one of the most troublesome areas in the country.

Now more than a decade after the area attracted the unfortunate label, community pioneer Jake Bonsall, 19, along with Donna Jones picked up an award for their work to revive the estate at Buckingham Palace from the Queen.

Mr Bonsall set up the Manor Young People's Health Project to reverse the fortunes of the area and educate young people about health issues.

I can't describe how pleased I am. It was a great pleasure

Jake Bonsall

Since starting the project at the age of 11, he has received 16 awards praising his courage and determination to help young people and improve the community.

After receiving the award on Monday, during the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation, Mr Bonsall said: "I've won son many awards in the past, but to receive one from the Queen has put the cherry on the cake.

"I can't describe how pleased I am. It was a great pleasure."

The project received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Award for Voluntary Service.