A YOUNG martial arts enthusiast has been nominated for a national award for his work with disabled people.

Talented Sam Waters, 13, has been put forward for the Essex Police Young People of the Year awards which are endorsed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The Canvey youngster, who has been practising martial arts for eight years, trains six nights a week at the Tsyuyoi karata ju-jitsu club in Dagenham, where he regularly helps members hone their martial arts skills.

The award nomination also recognises Sam’s work at the Break Down the Barriers Disability Martial Arts Festival, held in Dagenham. He helps out at the festival every year with his sister Vicky, 17.

The pair decided to get involved because their dad Nigel suffered a stroke at a young age. Sam, who goes to Castle View School, said: “I like helping at the festival, particularly when I see disabled children smile when they achieve something.”

Sam gives demonstrations and helps people with disabilities to get involved in martial arts.

He has also raised £2,000 for the event, with the help of his sister.

Organiser Bob Billson said: “Sam’s input at the event is both invaluable and a shining example of the ability of young people to understand and ignore differences between non-disabled and disabled people.

“He has also performed an excellent job as a role model, demonstrating what can be achieved by young people.”

Sam was nominated by Kay White, pastoral manager at his school, for being a positive role model to other teenagers.

The awards are sponsored by Essex Police and are presented to young people aged ten to 25.

Insp Kevin Whipps, head of Essex Police’s children and young people’s policing team, said: “So often the police are called when things go wrong and when sometimes young people make wrong choices.

“We want to demonstrate these are a tiny minority, whereas most young people have so much good to give and this is an opportunity to celebrate and reward them.”

The Essex Police award is open to young people aged ten to 25.

Nominations close on January 31.

To nominate logon to www.yopey.org or write to Essex Police YOPEY, PO Box 103, Hare Street, Ware, SG9 0XD.