A DEDICATED volunteer, who has been involved with community projects for the seven years since he left university, has been nominated for an award.

From running life-skills classes to football sessions for youngsters, Zishan Hussain always has a project on the go.

The 28-year-old began his volunteer work by teaching the theory and science behind the Koran at a mosque near his Normanton home.

Since then, he has been involved with groups across the city, although his focus is often on the people of Normanton.

In 2006, he helped set up the Reflection Project, a group aiming to guide youngsters in Normanton and promote community cohesion.

His dedication has been recognised by one of his fellow volunteers, who has nominated him for a Community Champions award.

Zishan, of Dairyhouse Road, said he was motivated by the aim of helping youngsters become responsible adults.

He said: "I dedicate a lot of my spare time to this because I enjoy being able to help the next generation.

"I remember growing up and how I found things and young people appreciate that when you work with them."

Zishan, one of seven members of the Reflection Project, said he was surprised to be nominated for a Community Champions award.

He said: "We've always just got on with whatever we've been doing without any thought of recognition but it's a really nice gesture."

At the moment, Zishan is co-ordinating Saturday football sessions for people aged nine to 19 at Shaftesbury Sports Centre.

They aim to teach youngsters who attend skills such as communication and teamwork.

Zishan has organised a Sunday school, which has been running for the past five years, and has planned residential trips to hone the children's life skills.

Much of his spare time goes on the Reflection Project and, later this year, he hopes to start up a street campaign.

Zishan said: "I did a lot of my work informally in the first few years after leaving university but, in the last couple of years, things have become a lot more formal. It's all about making places comfortable for people to live in and trying to help youngsters become safe citizens and responsible people."

Atif Hussain, who has worked with Zishan on a number of occasions, said he nominated him because of his importance within the community.

The 26-year-old, of Becher Street, Normanton, said: "Through Zishan's activities, the kids are kept off the streets and also learn skills that help them in their daily lives.

"He is so patient and sticks with the kids through everything, which is incredible.

"He has been working with them for as long as I can remember."

The Derby Telegraph has teamed up with BBC Radio Derby, Derbyshire Building Society, Derby City Council and Derby County Football Club to launch the Community Champions awards.

Nomination forms can be found on www.thisisderbyshire .co.uk/champions or on www. bbc.co.uk/derby.

They are also in some copies of the Derby Telegraph or can be collected from BBC Radio Derby, in St Helen's Street, Derby, and from Derbyshire Building Society branches.

They should be sent to Caroline Jones, Community Champions, Derby Evening Telegraph, Northcliffe House, Meadow Road, Derby, DE1 2BH by Friday, April 2.