A Falmouth man has a chance of winning a national community charity award.

Harry Deacon, 23, co-founder of Cultivate Cornwall CIC, an initiative that supports the development of community groups across Cornwall, is up for Groundwork's Young Community Leader of the Year award.

Harry said: “It’s a great feeling to receive recognition for my drive to make change and to know that my work has inspired others, as well as being able to support numerous young people in realising their vision and aspirations. I am very much looking forward to the ceremony.”

During his time at university, Harry co-founded Cultivate Cornwall CIC and has since gone on to deliver a range of community lead projects across the Cornish community.

Throughout the development of Cultivate Cornwall, Harry has maintained the grassroots community lead approach and as a result, the project helps to bring hundreds of people from different generations across the wider community together to build connections, share and learn new skills and drive sociability.

Graham Duxbury, CEO of Groundwork, said: “As a charity working to support grassroots groups, we know how difficult it can be to secure funds, recruit volunteers and keep vital projects and services going.

"We also know that many groups are having to respond to increasing levels of need, particularly in areas where other local services have been cut or closed. That’s why we need to do all we can to celebrate the achievements of those working tirelessly to make life better for others and help them share their stories with people who can support what they do.”

The Groundwork Community Awards 2019 are sponsored by Avison Young, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Fields in Trust, Firmdale Hotels, M&S and Tesco.