A YEAR 10 pupil has been named Fundraiser of the Year by a charity working with disadvantaged children.

Rhys McArdle, pictured, of the Gateway Academy, Chadwell St Mary, was presented with the accolade by Ormiston Families at a ceremony in Suffolk at the home of the charity’s president, Lady Tollemache, spouse of the 5th Baron Tollemache.

The charity supports children and young people in the East of England from disadvantaged communities, such as the children of prisoners and travellers.

Rhys was one of only five to receive awards after dozens of nominations were received, being presented with a certificate and commemorative glass by Dianne Murray, wife of the charity’s founder, Peter Murray OBE.

It was presented in recognition of him organising a Christmas fair at the Gateway Academy last year, using his business and organisational skills to recruit stallholders, manage the finances and promote the event to staff, parents and his fellow students, raising £700.