A 15-year-old Oldham beekeeper is buzzing after being given the prestigious British Beekeeper's Association President's Prize

Luke Charnock was named recipient of the award for his dedication to beekeeping, including taking part in the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers, over the past three years.

The feat is all the more impressive as the Co-op Academy Failsworth pupil has been undergoing years of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with T Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma.

Luke, who builds his own hives and designs new ways to help beekeepers. said: "I was very surprised to be given the award.

"I really enjoy beekeeping, it is a great hobby and I like learning more about them, the hives and what they produce."

After taking part in the IMYB at Marlborough College last year, which saw him work with one of the event referees to provide the equipment for all the international teams to work with, he is eagerly waiting to see if he has been chosen for the England team for the event this year.

The event sees young people from countries all over the world meet in France for three days to share and learn the essential skills to further the craft of beekeeping.

"It would be great to go and represent my country," he said.

Luke and his proud mum Cath became dedicated Beekeepers just a few years ago after searching for a hobby to keep them both busy after Luke's stay in hospital.

After chatting to local beekeeper Diane Drinkwater and taking part in a taster session, the pair were hooked and are now members of Medlock Bees.

Luke has also become a VIBee in Oldham and was given the chance to officially open Gallery Oldham's new bee landing last year.

BBKA President John Hendrie and BBKA Chairman Margaret Murdin travelled to the club to present Luke with his prize during a recent meeting.

Cath said: "I am very proud of him.

"He suffered quite badly during chemo and will have to have regular check-ups but he's now doing really well now.

"We kept the prize a complete surprise from him.

"When they started talking about an "inspirational young man", Luke didn't realise they were talking about him at first."

As part of the prize, Luke was awarded a certificate and £25 to spend on beekeeping equipment.

BBKA President John Hendrie said "I was delighted to present the Certificate and voucher to buy beekeeping equipment to Luke because Luke has been ill with T Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma and had undergone three years of chemotherapy and was still able to keep and manage bees.

Mr Hendrie said Luke was really over the moon to be chosen to represent his country and be a steward at the IMYB. "He demonstrated great enthusiasm and team spirit in helping to present British Beekeeping to representatives from the rest of the world."