Youth international volleyball player Maxime Carolan has been recognised for his efforts on and off the court.

Carolan, 15, was among the winners at the Gravesham Civic and Community Awards.

The Gravesend Grammar School pupil, who lives in Meopham, was described as an inspiration before collecting his award.

The judging panel were impressed not only with Carolan’s rapid progress in volleyball - he was picked by England just two years after taking up the sport - but also his fundraising efforts for the mental health charity Sport in Mind, who benefited from a black-tie charity ball organised by the youngster last October.

On the court, 6ft4in Carolan overcame a knee injury to represent England at the Under-19 Cornacchia World Cup in Italy in April. He’s also excelling in beach volleyball, securing an invite to a top training camp in Montpellier, France, in July.

The civic and community award capped a memorable time for the teenager, who was joined at the ceremony by mum Sophie Henry.

“It was such a beautiful evening,” said Sophie. “To receive an award like that, at such a young age, is very special.

“What’s surprised everybody is why he received the nomination as well, the fact he’s using his sport profile to help people with fragile mental health.

“The speech at the ceremony was very much not only are we celebrating a fantastic volleyball player, we are also celebrating the work he’s done for mental health.

“He’s used volleyball to help people, like he did with the ball for Sport in Mind, because he believes sport can help people with fragile mental health.

“It’s been a busy year and the award is the icing on the cake for Max.”