Brett, 13, is Young Citizen of the Year

The 13-year-old from Westhoughton has been recognised for his dedication and commitment to the needs of others.

He has been named Greater Manchester Police's 12th Young Citizen of the Year after beating off tough competition from nine other young people.

Brett received his award from Chief Constable Michael Todd at a prestigious gala presentation evening held at the Thistle Hotel, Manchester, yesterday.

He has raised more than £600 for the Ladybridge Resource Unit for children with physical disabilities through a variety of sponsored activities.

The teenager has endured cold, wet sponges being thrown at him, completed a sponsored 48-hour fast, cleaned cars and renovated gardens.

Brett also helped to organise a charity night and supported a family disco to help buy a specially adapted swing for a young girl who suffers from severe epilepsy.

In addition, the Westhoughton High School pupil set up an anti-bullying club, visits a 15-year-old who suffers from severe agoraphobia, and has raised money for Childline. At home, Brett helps to care for his six-year old brother Rhys, who suffers from severe brittle asthma and immune deficiency disorder, and is always on hand to help out with household chores.

He also lends a hand to a local single mother-of-three by doing odd jobs and helping to look after her youngsters.

Chief Constable Todd said: "Brett is a shining example to all young people. He has shown immense initiative, compassion and dedication in all the activities that he has undertaken for his community and family.

"The 'Young Citizen of the Year' award is a fantastic opportunity to prove that there are young people who make an extremely positive contribution to their communities and family life."

Brett was presented with £1,000 given by Barclays to be donated to a charity or community initiative of his choice, a £1,000 holiday courtesy of MyTravel, £1,000 spending money from Manchester Airport and a VIP day out at Manchester United football club.

He will hold his title for 12 months during which he will carry out a number of civic and community engagements on behalf of Greater Manchester Police.

BIG-HEARTED Brett Ratcliff is simply the best.

The 13-year-old from Westhoughton has been recognised for his dedication and commitment to the needs of others.

He has been named Greater Manchester Police's 12th Young Citizen of the Year after beating off tough competition from nine other young people.

Brett received his award from Chief Constable Michael Todd at a prestigious gala presentation evening held at the Thistle Hotel, Manchester, yesterday.

He has raised more than £600 for the Ladybridge Resource Unit for children with physical disabilities through a variety of sponsored activities.

The teenager has endured cold, wet sponges being thrown at him, completed a sponsored 48-hour fast, cleaned cars and renovated gardens.

Brett also helped to organise a charity night and supported a family disco to help buy a specially adapted swing for a young girl who suffers from severe epilepsy.

In addition, the Westhoughton High School pupil set up an anti-bullying club, visits a 15-year-old who suffers from severe agoraphobia, and has raised money for Childline. At home, Brett helps to care for his six-year old brother Rhys, who suffers from severe brittle asthma and immune deficiency disorder, and is always on hand to help out with household chores.

He also lends a hand to a local single mother-of-three by doing odd jobs and helping to look after her youngsters.

Chief Constable Todd said: "Brett is a shining example to all young people. He has shown immense initiative, compassion and dedication in all the activities that he has undertaken for his community and family.

"The 'Young Citizen of the Year' award is a fantastic opportunity to prove that there are young people who make an extremely positive contribution to their communities and family life."

Brett was presented with £1,000 given by Barclays to be donated to a charity or community initiative of his choice, a £1,000 holiday courtesy of MyTravel, £1,000 spending money from Manchester Airport and a VIP day out at Manchester United football club.

He will hold his title for 12 months during which he will carry out a number of civic and community engagements on behalf of Greater Manchester Police.