A SCHOOLBOY from Prestatyn has become the first recipient of a new award after he used his pocket money to help an elderly woman pay for bread.
Olly Jones, 12, of Prestatyn High School, was in a Spar shop in January buying a bottle of the popular new “Prime” drink, when he came across a woman struggling to afford her shopping.
After realising she did not have enough money for bread, Olly gave her £2 which he would otherwise have spent on Prime, and thought nothing of it.
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It was highlighted on social media and Olly became an overnight celebrity - KSI, the influencer who developed Prime, even caught wind of Olly’s selflessness and has asked to get in touch with him.
To congratulate him, Olly became the first person to win a “Pride of Prestatyn” award from the Prestatyn Business Forum.
He received the award at The Little Cheesemonger, on the town’s High Street, where he was joined by Prestatyn High School headteacher, Neil Foley, and numerous Prestatyn business owners.
The forum’s businesses have gained tickets to the town’s Scala Cinema, along with a voucher to be spent in the TuMundo coffee shop, which were presented to Olly by Prestatyn and Meliden mayor, Cllr Tina Jones.
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Granny Pats Tuck Shop also gave Olly £5 to spend in their shop.
Sally Smart, Prestatyn Business Forum secretary, said: “It’s a story that touched the hearts of the businesses in Prestatyn.
“So, the forum wanted to formally acknowledge Olly’s kindness by making him the first ever recipient of a Pride of Prestatyn Award.
“So many youngsters get a bad press and they don’t all deserve it, with Olly being proof.
“Olly took it all in his stride and seemed very impressed that he missed science to be at the award presentation!”
Olly's mother, Carly Inglis, added her pride in her son, a "local celebrity".
She said: "I couldn't be any prouder of my son.
"For the last three months, I have had numerous messages daily telling me what an amazing job I'm doing as a mother, and it's so lovely to have people message from all over the country to praise Olly.
"Olly is loving the new-found fame and calls himself a local celebrity. If more children were like him, the world would be a better place.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all for all the lovely comments and messages and gifts Olly has received; it was all totally unexpected over such a small gesture, but so heart-warming to see.
Cllr Jones added that she was delighted to be able to present the award on behalf of the businesses in the forum to “such a nice young gentleman” on his good deed.
Mr Foley added that the whole Prestatyn High School community had been impressed by Ollie’s charitable act.
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