TV chef Jamie collects volunteering award

TV chef Jamie Oliver has been served an honorary government award to recognise his efforts in training disadvantaged young people.

He has been named the honorary Millennium Volunteer of the year for his work at his restaurant Fifteen.

The accolade coincided with the scheme reaching its target of getting 100,000 16-24-year-olds to give their services to their local community six months ahead of schedule.

The initiative was set up by the Department for Education and Skills in 1999 by British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Oliver, 28, dedicated months and ploughed a fortune into setting up his east London restaurant where 15 people were given training to become chefs. Millions shared his highs and lows in Channel 4 series Jamie’s Kitchen as not all completed the course.

He said: “This is another great honour for me – and it’s been quite a year for those, I can tell you.

“It’s brilliant to be recognised by Millennium Volunteers as it is such an important initiative. I’m really thrilled.”

British minister for skills and vocational education Ivan Lewis said of Oliver: “He has demonstrated to a massive audience around the world how volunteering can make a real difference to lives of young people.

“I hope more will now follow Jamie’s lead and take that first step towards active citizenship, not least to gain life experiences not easily gained at school or college.”

The Millennium Volunteers scheme encourages young people to volunteer their time for the benefit of others by “building on what you’re into”.

Mr Lewis added: “Volunteering benefits everyone involved.

“It develops the individual, strengthens the community and benefits society as a whole.”