Stefan Prest (19) was nominated for the SkillsTrain Young People of the Year (YOPEY) Awards in Nottinghamshire, which recognise young unsung heroes, for the work he has done on behalf of his generation in the former mining village.

Among his achievements, Stefan has opened a cyber cafe in the village hall, which gives eight to 18-year-olds access to computers, the internet and sports.

The 'Ozone Cyber Cafe' and coffee bar took Stefan just three months to open at the age of 15 after researching similar projects, applying for grants and buying equipment.

Stefan also set up a group called the Bilsthorpe Youth Tenants' and Residents' Association aged just 13 and was elected as a member of the UK Youth Parliament at 16.

He told Chad: "Since the closure of the pit in the early 1990s, Bilsthorpe has seen a significant downturn in industry and community spirit, with a number of local businesses moving away.

"A lack of community spirit has also arisen, with an apparent divide between the old and the new parts of the village.

"With the closure of local shops and the leisure centre here, there are little if any facilities for young people, which has led to anti-social behaviour with its usual trappings."

More than 40 young people now attend the cyber cafe on Wednesday and Friday evenings, which has led to a marked reduction in anti-social behaviour in Bilsthorpe, according to Police Community Support Officer Andy Crofts.

Stefan added: "Watching an idea grow from nothing to the success it is today gives me a sense of pride.

"When the young people who use the cafe say how good it is, it gives me a good feeling to know that all the hard work and effort has paid off."

Although running the cafe takes up a lot of Stefan's time, he also helps to run the Rufford Explorer Scouts one evening a week and goes away on trips with the group most weekends.

As a nominee for YOPEY, Stefan is now in the running to win the top prize of £1,000 at an award ceremony at County Hall in December.