A TEENAGER is punching the air after being nominated for yet another national award.

Bethan Owen, 16, the founder of a not-for-profit karate club in Rhyl, is up for the Young Community Leader of the Year in the Groundwork Community Awards.

Bethan, of Bodelwyddan, is a young carer and has been helping to take care of her mum, who has epilepsy, from a young age.

By way of a distraction, she started to learn karate at a young age.By the time she was 12-years old, she was a black belt and qualified karate instructor.

She started a club which attracts carers of all ages.

Bethan said: "It’s amazing for me and my students and getting us recognised as a club.

"I never have holidays because I’m either looking after my mam or running the club."

As part of her teaching, Bethan - who has been honoured into the United States Martial Artist Association’s Hall of Fame - helps to boost the self-esteem and confidence of her students.

The Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan pupil runs classes Rhyl and teaches more than 35 young children and adults.

Graham Duxbury, CEO of Groundwork, said: "We also know that many groups are having to respond to increasing levels of need, particularly in areas where other local services have been cut or closed. That’s why we need to do all we can to celebrate the achievements of those working tirelessly to make life better for others and help them share their stories with people who can support what they do.”

The Groundwork Community Awards were launched by the charity in 2017 to honour small community groups making a big difference to everyone’s quality of life and to celebrate and reward groups who often get little recognition and support.

The public can vote by visiting surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GWPeoplesChoice19

Finalists have been invited to attend a national awards ceremony hosted by BBC presenter and Groundwork Ambassador, Georgina Burnett, on November 21.

Bethan won a St David Award earlier this year. She was honoured in 2017's British Citizen Youth Award (BCyA) and received a ‘Point of Light’ Award from Prime Minister Theresa May.