HE'S spent a decade of his youth giving up his time to help improve Southampton.

But yesterday, the city gave back to Itchen's Ashley Barfoot.

The now 20-year-old was rewarded with a signed Saints shirt to mark 10 years of service to Southampton City Council-run youth scheme The Junior Neighbourhood Wardens.

Ashley originally joined the not-for-profit community project aged 10.

The scheme works with over 270 children across the city aged seven to 12 on local projects such as gardening, graffiti removal, litter picking, charity fundraising, and combatting loneliness locally.

Wardens are supported to develop a sense of pride and respect in their local neighbourhood and to promote a positive image of children in the community.

The Juniors work alongside the council's Neighbourhood Wardens and other council services to help improve their local area.

Since joining in 2008, Ashley has continued to support the local community with initiatives since, working his way up to a volunteer Team Leader in recent years.

Ian Mitchell, Junior Neighbourhood Warden Co-ordinator, said “Ashley has been on the programme for 10 years this year and is a fantastic lad, always going above and beyond for the other children.

"He has also progressed personally through his involvement in the scheme, from a shy lad to the rounded more confident Ashley of today.

"As an avid Saints fan it is an honour to present this award to him in recognition of his hard work and dedication to good causes in the city.”

Ashley was presented the shirt by Mayor of Southampton, councillor Les Harris, at the SeaCity Museum.

The museum is currently hosting an exhibition about the history of Southampton Football Club.

The exhibition, named 'We March On', celebrates 130 years of club history and features memorabilia and interactive exhibitions.

It is due to stay at the SeaCity Museum until October 28.