And now, his community work has been recognised with a nomination in the awards dubbed the Oscars of the voluntary sector.

Matthew Hollis (19) single-handedly set up an arts project using DJ-ing as a way of connecting with young people and reducing anti-social behaviour.

The Walton youngster then got a team of two helpers on board and linked up with Cross Keys Homes, holding music sessions for young people in deprived areas – and was in line for a Young Achievers Award.

Organised by the Young Achievers trust, they celebrate the contribution of young volunteers, activists and social entrepreneurs in England, and Matthew was one of three finalists in the "arts" category for 16 to 19 year-olds.

The self-taught youngster has been into DJ-ing since he was 13.

Fed up with the lack of affordable activities for young people to do in Peterborough, he decided he would teach kids what he had learnt.

After getting just under £1,000 funding from city-based charity Young Lives, he held workshops in Arthur Mellows Village College and his own school Stanground College.

Cross Keys Homes heard about what he was doing and joined forces with the teenager, holding music sessions in their anti-social-behaviour hotspots.

He said: "I work with two others now because by myself, I can only control three to four kids but with a bigger group we can reach out to more.

"There were a lot of Portuguese kids at the session in Welland.

"They were so passionate, it was unbelievable. They turned up on the first day reeling off sheets and sheets of lyrics.

"Some young people have hard backgrounds.

"When we do a workshop, we can tell it's been successful when they come back.

"If they are willing to spend their time doing this, it gets them off the streets and not doing things they shouldn't be."

Matthew plans to go to university next year and then, armed with a batch of qualifications, wants to take his Matte Productions venture to other cities.

Matthew just missed out on the title at a lavish award ceremony in London – coming second.

But he said he was happy with the result and was already thinking about setting up more community ventures.

nFor more information, visit www.youngachievers.co.uk.

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