The efforts of a young volunteer from a Go-Ride Club have been recognised by the Prime Minister.

Sixteen-year-old, Molly Pattison, has been named the first-ever young winner of a new volunteering award by Prime Minister, David Cameron, for the difference she has made to cycling in her community.

Molly got involved with Tiverton BMX Go-Ride club a couple of years ago and got stuck into racing. However, at the beginning of last year, Molly fell ill and was no longer able to ride her bike.

Not to be deterred, Molly got involved with British Cycling’s Cycling Award for Young Volunteers and helped out with all aspects of the club. She has now started her own BMX team, securing funds from sponsors, team kit and an enthusiastic team of 20 riders.

Now Molly’s work has been recognised on a national level after the Prime Minister David Cameron named her as the latest recipient of the newly established Point of Light award.

Molly said: “It was a bit of a shock to get this award - I really didn’t expect it. I don’t feel like I am putting myself out to volunteer, it just comes naturally. But it’s really nice to know that people appreciate the work that I do.

“British Cycling has really helped me, and the opportunities that they have opened up for me to develop myself as a volunteer and as a person have been phenomenal. The most important thing for me is that it has helped to build my confidence. People do take me seriously; I’m listened to, my voice is heard, and my suggestions are taken on board.”

The award seeks to recognise outstanding individual volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who names the award winners, said: “Despite her illness and the blow of not being able to race, Molly didn’t give up. Instead, she channelled her passion into setting up her own team so that others could continue to enjoy the sport. I am delighted to be recognising Molly as the first young winner of a Point of Light award.”

At just 15 years of age, Molly set up her own team, Revolution Racing. She sought the help of sponsors and raised enough money through fundraising to cover the team’s running costs. Molly now has more than 20 riders from all over the South West decked out with printed kits, ready to race.

Molly became involved with coaching through British Cycling's youth development programme, Go-Ride, which offers novice young cyclists an opportunity to get stuck into the world of cycle sport. On her sixteenth birthday, Molly attended a Level 1 Award in Coaching Cycling course.

British Cycling’s Director of Coaching, Education and Development, John Mills, said: “The growth of cycling wouldn’t happen without the support of the volunteers at Go-Ride Clubs across the country, and it is fantastic to see Molly Pattison’s hard work and dedication acknowledged by the Prime Minister.

”Molly’s award is deserved recognition of the real difference she has made to the development of the sport within her community. She has achieved an incredible amount at such a young age and her volunteering efforts are a real inspiration to us all.”

For more information about British Cycling’s Go-Ride programme, please visit www.britishcycling.org.uk/go-ride.