A STUDENT from Bolton has met Prime Minister Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street.

Aziz Mulla, aged 15, who is headboy at St James' CofE School in Farnworth, was a guest at a reception hosted by Mr Brown to celebrate the work of young people in helping others.

Aziz, of Great Lever, is also a member of the school council and involved in community work, which includes befriending and mentoring young asylum seekers to help them improve their confidence.

He has also visited Macedonia, Azerbaijan and Israel as part of the Youth Sport Action project.

The international exchange scheme, which involves more than 200 young people across the world, aims to use sport to break down cultural and religious barriers.

Aziz said: "It was a great experience to go to London and meet the Prime Minister, who made all the young people feel welcome.

"It does take up a lot of my time and effort to get involved in the work I do, but I do it because I think it will make a difference to everyone's lives."

Dr Brian Iddon, Bolton South East MP, who was one of several MPs at the reception, said: "I was delighted Aziz was able to be at the reception as he is an excellent role model for the valuable work young people can play in their communities.

"I was very impressed to hear about the work he has done at school in acting as a mediator in bullying cases and in organising fundraising performances for Derian House Children's Hospice."