AS he watched Tom Orrell meet the Prime Minister, Sam Godfrey knew his volunteer work was making a difference in Derby.

He had put forward Tom for a Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award, after watching him work hard at Merrill College Boxing Club.

Sam set up the club four years ago when he joined the school as a teacher, hoping to raise the self-esteem, life skills and boxing ability of its members.

Today, he spends more than 40 hours a week involved in boxing classes and clubs for people of all ages and walks of life.

Sam, 27, said he volunteered his services because he loved to see people enjoying themselves and gaining in confidence through boxing.

He said examples such as Tom, who won his award for his volunteering and mentoring service to other young people, made his efforts worthwhile.

Now Sam, of Winster Road, Chaddesden, has been nominated for an award – the Derby Telegraph Community Champions.

He said: "I'm over the moon to be nominated – I'm really chuffed.

"The reason I do what I do is to help other people, I'm not really doing it for myself, so it's really great to know it is appreciated.

"People like Tom make you realise how much of a difference you can make."

Sam, who first took up boxing at 12, decided to become a PE teacher during a drastic career switch. He gave up a thriving auction house he had been running in Matlock for about four years.

In addition to his after-school boxing club, Sam helps to run the One Nation boxing club and gym, in Normanton.

Sam, who lives with fiancee Sarah, 28, and children Evie, six, and Alfie, one, also finds time to help out at the Dragons Kickboxing Academy, in Monk Street.

Sam was nominated for the Community Champions award by friend and fellow coach Ryan Mozley, 24, of Silverburn Drive, Oakwood.

He said: "Sam has set up his own community boxing club and he works with underprivileged children in some of Derby's worst areas. He does it while working full-time and raising his own family – he is an unsung hero."

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

On Sunday, May 16, our 14 winners will be invited to a ceremony at Pride Park Stadium.