A DEDICATED "child at heart" has been rewarded by his employer for his service to children's groups in Wyre Forest.

David Bird, 44, of Santa Maria Way, Stourport, was named a BT community champion and awarded cash grants for the two groups he is involved with.

The telecommunication giant has given £135 to Areley Kings Scout Group, where Mr Bird is an assistant Cub and Beaver leader. It has also given £100 to Kidderminster Harriers Football in the Community under-12s football team, which he coaches.

Mr Bird said: "You get a lot back from the kids and it's great to see them develop. It's very rewarding to see them enjoying themselves. I'm a child at heart myself."

He added he would spend five to six hours a week training the football team and six to seven hours a week with the Cubs.

He explained that he became involved in both groups through his two sons, Charlie, 12 and Sam, 10, after responding to calls for parents to give up some of their time.

Mr Bird said: "The money will make a real difference. We always need money at the football club, while our Scout hut desperately needs work doing to it."

The transmissions planner added that the football club was "thinking big," aiming to be the best children's team in Worcestershire.

Nineteen BT employees in the West Midlands were recognised for their volunteering work in the past year.

Beth Courtier, BT's head of charity programmes, said: "At BT we are proud of the many volunteers within the company who really do make a difference to their local communities.

"In recognition of their continued dedication to their local charities and groups, we are delighted to support their efforts.

"The BT community champions awards are our way of showing how much BT values volunteers' contributions to their communities."

The scheme allows employees to apply for either a cash award or for a full set of sports kit if they volunteer with a team for young people or adults with disabilities.

The deadline for applications for the next review is Thursday, April 10.

To apply, employees should visit www.btcommunitychampions.com