A YOUNG wheelchair tennis star from Caernarfon has been recognised for her voluntary work by receiving the 'Inspiring Young Person' accolade at the 2018 Wales Sport Awards.

Fran Smith, 19, has put in hundreds of volunteer hours despite her struggle with chronic fatigue and other health issues.

The Cardiff Met student received her prestigious prize at the Celtic Manor Hotel on Tuesday, December 4 and credits her caring nature to her mum, Deb Bashford.

Deb is a wheelchair user herself and also won a Wales Sport Award just two years ago.

“When you grow up with a severely disabled mother who never lets anything stop her, you think why should I let anything stop me?," Fran said.

Her proud mum added: “I encouraged Fran to get involved, but she took it to the next level.

“At just 19 years old, she has gone above and beyond what I could have ever imagined. It is mind blowing. I am so proud of her.”

The mother and daughter duo often help out at Caernarfon Celts' wheelchair basketball club in their hometown.

According to Gwynedd Disability Sport Wales Officer Marcus Politis, Fran has “maturity way beyond her years.”

He said: "Fran is a stand-out volunteer and with her commitment to local, regional and national projects, she has developed into a model professional."