AN Uxbridge teenager was awarded first prize in Video Fest 2014, a competition held by the Youth Rail Enthusiasts Association.

The annual event invites young rail fans to produce a video for YouTube about their hobby.

Now in its fifth year, it was started to help enthusiasts unleash their creativity and to help improve their media, creative writing and social skills.

Sam Harris, 17, of Martin Close, a former pupil of Vyners School, called his video What Railways Mean to Me.

It introduces viewers to how he got interested in trains, what he likes about them and how the people he met through his interest have helped him through difficult times.

Sam’s video and thirteen others were judged by volunteers at the Youth Rail Enthusiasts Association, as well as guest from the Transport for London Forum, another online transport community based in London.

Sam’s efforts certainly paid off and he received a selection of prizes, some of which money can’t buy, including a cab ride in an East Midlands train out of St Pancras, first-class tickets to any Grand Central railway destination, return tickets to any First Great Western destinatio, and vouchers towards content for Railworks: Train Simulator on his PC.

The Youth Rail Enthusiasts Association provides days out and educational resources.