A volunteering hero has been recognised for his outstanding work in caring for animals.

23-year-old Lewis from Offerton won the 'Volunteer of the Year' award at the Stockport Young People Awards, after his work at The Garden House, a community farm and charity in Marple.

Lewis has been working six days a week looking after Garden House's array of animals, including pygmy goats, Shetland ponies, donkeys, alpacas, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks and geese. He works around four or five hours a day.

Many of these animals have been rescued or rehomed.

The Stockport Young People Awards was the first of its kind, held in the 1883 suite in Edgeley Park. The awards aimed to recognise young residents across the borough who have made "outstanding contributions to the community".

Lewis cares for a wide range of animals, including this fine fellow - Basil, the pygmy goat (Image supplied)

The Garden House was founded in 2015 by Kevin Swindells after he bought the 16.5-acre site and cleared the land for use as a visitor attraction. It relies on volunteers, and is supported solely by visitor donations.

Lewis began volunteering there six years ago, after visiting one day as part of a Castle Hill school trip.

Speaking of his win, Lewis said: "I'm very happy and honoured to have won the award. I just love looking after the animals. Volunteering at The Garden House is a great way to spend my time.

"I would certainly recommend it to others, as it's a chance to be outside and help a local cause." 

Find out more information about The Garden House here.

And this is Paca - an alpaca at Garden House (Image supplied)

Garden House founder Kevin added: "When Lewis started with us, he was very introverted and almost non-verbal. But he took to it immediately and has gone from strength to strength.

"He knows all the animals and has really blossomed here. It's been wonderful to see him progress. We are really proud of him and what he has achieved, and he fully deserves the award.

"It's so nice to see him flourish. He's a different person to when he first came here and he's very popular with everyone. 

Lewis's proud mum Anita said: "Lewis adores animals and he absolutely loves volunteering at The Garden House. He knows all about the animals there and even goes along on Christmas Day to feed them. 

"It's great for his wellbeing, and it's fantastic that he goes so often, as he would otherwise just be at home. 

"We're really proud of him for all that he does at The Garden House and for winning the award. I couldn't stop crying when his name was called out at the ceremony. All the family were there, and we were just so thrilled for him." 

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