Eighteen-year-old Kevin Higgins, from Dundee, was honoured for putting in more than 200 hours in the last two years with community football groups, summer camps and at Midnight League Football competitions - despite now working a 40-hour week as an apprentice electrician.

He is pictured receiving his award from Paralympian and Sports Leaders UK Patron, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.

The two runners-up, whose awards were presented by Sports Leaders UK's Scottish Ambassador, Laura Pollock, and Milton Keynes Ambassador, Kimberlee Aldred, were Jessica Burns and Jason Farr.

At the event, which was attended by more than 100 dignitaries, MPs and influential people, Sports Leaders UK celebrated excellent progress towards its 2012 Games Legacy Pledge.

Fourteen Sports Leaders were short-listed for the awards, each recognised for going the "extra-mile" and for their contribution to sport in their school, college or local community.

They were: James Adams, Anthony Larby, Harry Organ, Alexander Thompson, Sarah Naylor, Jane Barclay, Barbara White, Michael Hadley, Scott Bennett, Lauren Dolbear and William Chaplin.

Chief executive of Sports Leaders UK, Linda Plowright, said: "The House of Lords event was a huge success and enabled Sports Leaders UK to thank all those that have made a contribution to sports leadership and grassroots sport across the UK.

"I'd like to congratulate all of the Sports Leaders nominated for the Volunteer of the Year Award, and thank them for their commitment to sports leadership and volunteering.

"It is a vital part of the development and growth of every community and Sports Leaders UK recognises the fantastic work these volunteers take part in."