SAEED Atcha is certainly leading by example in his four-year quest to combat negative media coverage surrounding young people.

For if anyone deserves to portray a positive image, then it’s the talented 19-year-old whose Xplode magazine has proved to be just dynamite — commanding an impressive readership.

Saeed has lifted the “Young Person/Apprentice Award” in tribute to the fact that since 2011 he has spearheaded training sessions for Bolton teens that are fun, informative and inclusive. Consequently, youngsters can put what they’ve learned into running a magazine, embracing editorial, pictorial, social media and back office.

HeThe teenager has seen the organisation emerge as a UK-wide charity, earning an award and praise from the PMPrime Minister David Cameron. Since 2011, Xplode has significantly increased its readership to a young audience.

Saeed started volunteering at after school clubs at Ladybridge High School and worked on the school magazine. His tireless commitment to his own magazine is illustrated by the fact he works unpaid for about 50 hours a week while studying for a degree in public relations.

His goal was to establish an organisation that could showcase the talents of young people positively. After launching a training arm, he enlisted Asda, Cineworld and O2 to offer real work experience to its young people. Now, those involved with Xplode are motivated, with an increase in teamwork, confidence and leadership skills.

After accepting his award, he said: “I’m absolutely delighted, given this is the fourth birthday of the charity. There are 95 of us altogether. Xplode is a free magazine which is in all the schools and colleges and our current readership is probably around 35,000 across Greater Manchester. Our plans for the future are to continue with the magazine and to get more and more positive press for young people.”