SIXTH-FORMER Oliver Perks has been named Salisbury District Hospital's Young Volunteer of the Year for his dedication and commitment to patients in the hospital's spinal unit.

Oliver, 18, a pupil at Bishop Wordsworth's School, was rewarded on Monday when he was presented with the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust Young Volunteer Award at a special ceremony at the hospital.

Oliver, who is currently doing his A-levels, spent two hours a week helping staff and patients on the spinal unit and this experience has reinforced his commitment to pursue a career in the NHS.

He is now looking to study diagnostic radiography at City University.

Oliver said: "The spinal unit has been a fantastic place to work and the staff are great people to be around, incredibly welcoming and always cheery and fun. After a few weeks of volunteering I found myself looking forward to going to work and I found volunteering to be a nice break from school, giving me a chance to help in a practical way."

Luke March, chairman of Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The trust has volunteers of all ages who play a key part in providing the extra help and support that is so important to the hospital and our patients.

"It is really pleasing to know that Oliver has not only enjoyed his experience of volunteering at Salisbury District Hospital, but that his experience could lead to him to a rewarding career in the NHS."

The trust currently has more than 700 volunteers who give up around 1,900 hours a week of their free time to provide extra support across a whole range of hospital services over the year.

If anyone is interested in volunteering at Salisbury District Hospital, they can contact Jo Jarvis in the voluntary services department on 01722 336 262, extension 4026.