Arbroath voluntary worker Paul Hardie has been named 2005/6 winner of the prestigious Beacon Prize for Scotland for his outstanding dedication to the support and development of young people from deprived backgrounds.

From the age of 16, Paul has been deeply committed to the Arbroath-based youth initiative, CAFÉ Project (Community Alcohol Free Environment). Devoting his spare time and using his first-hand experience, Paul has inspired and led initiatives that have helped young people from disadvantaged beginnings to find a more positive alternative to life on the streets.

Paul is one of just 16 recipients of the 2005/6 Beacon Prize, who were chosen for their exceptional philanthropic contribution through the giving of their time, money and skills in order to benefit specific charitable causes and all of whom join the ranks of previous winners such as Sir Bob Geldof, Jamie Oliver and environmentalist Zac Goldsmith who have each been recognised for their charitable work through what has become known as the 'Nobel Prize of the charity world', first coined by Chancellor Gordon Brown.

Chair of the Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust, Martyn Lewis notes: "The Judges were delighted to award Paul with the Beacon Prize for Scotland, as his hard work and dedication to disadvantaged young people makes him an inspiration for all his countrymen. I hope that this act of recognition will propel him on to even greater things and allow him to make even more of a difference."

Paul added: "It is a surprise and a real honour to be awarded this Prize. I am very proud to be recognised in this way, especially if it encourages other people to get involved in such valuable work."

Also named as Beacon winners for 2005/6 are Paul and Diana Lamplugh who are recognised for their work through the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, created after the disappearance of their daughter in 1986, working to establish a greater awareness of personal safety whilst addressing the issues of violence and aggression in society at large; homelessness campaigner John Bird, the founder of The Big Issue and Leah Pattison, the 'Angel of Nagpur' whose life has been devoted to working with lepers in India.

The Prize Ceremony will take place in November 2006 where the winners will be inaugurated as Beacon Fellows, a community of Beacon Prize winners who together, champion charitable causes across the globe and nurture a wider culture of giving in the UK. The ceremony will also see the overall Beacon Prize winner announced, receiving £30,000 to donate to the charitable cause of their choice.

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For further information on the Beacon Prize, winners' biographies and photos of the 2005/6 award recipients or on The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust contact Victoria Walsh on 020 7861 8568 or email vwalsh@bell-pottinger.co.uk or Fintan Nicholls at Beacon on 020 7203 8295 or email fintan.nicholls@beaconfellowship.org.uk