An inspirational role model from the island who has helped transform the lives of vulnerable young people for the past 18 years has been recognised with a national honour.

Scott Wilson will be presented with a British Citizen Award for his services to the community at a ceremony at the Palace of Westminster on Thursday (July 6).

The British Citizen Awards (BCAs) recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on society.

Scott has worked with vulnerable young people on the Isle of Man as part of the Youth Justice Team since moving here seven years ago, after previously working with young people in London for 11 years.

He set up an Appropriate Adult scheme on the island to help vulnerable people, including those in care, to understand how they can be supported should they get into trouble with the police.

He is also a great advocate of ’restorative justice’ meetings between crime victims and offenders.

Scott was nominated by a young service-user, and a friend and colleague Marcia Brabbs, who said: ’Everyone that I have ever spoken to who has worked alongside

’Scott has never stopped praising him, he’s simply excellent at his job and I’m not alone in saying it.

’He has made such a difference to the young people he works with, because he treats them like people not problems.

’It’s clear to see that he truly cares.

’There couldn’t be a better person to receive this award.

’He is changing our island for the better and he deserves this recognition for it.’

Scott said that he was shocked when he found out about the awad, adding: ’I spoke to a young woman recently who I had helped six years ago and she told me she was just about to move into a new flat and that I had helped her turn her life around.

’It made me realise that I do actually make a difference to people’s lives and it’s quite touching really.’