Young People of the Year nomination for former young mayor Nahimul Islam

In addition to his role as the young mayor, which he was elected to at the age of 15 and held for two consecutive years, Nahimul, 18, has found time to take part in other community work, have three part-time jobs and study at sixth form.

In his role as the young mayor, he ran anti-knife crime campaigns in schools and youth centres.

He has also sat on a number of youth panels, including the UK Youth Parliament, and was an Olympic torch bearer in 2012.

He was nominated for the award by Khudeja Kobir, who he met at a work experience recruitment event and became part of his campaign team.

Another achievement by Nahimul, who lives in Prusom Street, Wapping, is setting up his own football club.

After seeing talented youngsters playing on wasteland, he came up with the idea to provide a suitable place for them to have a game.

Wapping Youth FC was set up with more than £10,000 in grants and sponsorship, and currently has three boys’ teams, with plans to set up two more and a girls’ team.

In addition to studying at Raines Foundation School, Nahimul now works as a peer education officer and youth worker for Tower Hamlets council, helping young people get jobs and internships.

He describes himself as not being exceptionally studious in his early years of secondary school, but was inspired to help others.

“I attended my local youth centre where the social workers encouraged me to do work on projects.

“That’s how I started volunteering with the council.

“I then realised that I got a lot of satisfaction from volunteering and helping people.”

He is standing for councillor for Wapping and St Katherine’s ward in May, which could make him the youngest councillor in London if elected.

YOPEY founder Tony Gearing said: “It’s no surprise that Nahimul does not have much spare time, with all the effort he has put into helping the community in his area.

“He is to be congratulated on his hard work and achievements with different projects.”