The director of a Hitchin-based charity which has children’s education at its heart has been nominated for this year’s Comet Community Awards.

Kieran Murphy has been put forward for the Service to the Community category for his work heading up the team at Phase – a charity which offers support, guidance and puts on events to help young people thrive.

Phase works closely with the three Hitchin secondary schools – Priory, Hitchin Girls’ and Hitchin Boys’ – and Kieran’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by Katie Southall from the former.

Nominating the 34-year-old, the Priory assistant head said: “Kieran ensures that he puts the students first. He will attend a meeting at the drop of hat, will offer advice to staff and students when needed and is always availble for support – whatever the issue might be!

“Kieran has recently branched out and got more support in his team in order to help those who are self-harming – he even made a film to help students talk about their self-harming behaviours.

“He is now part of the well-being committee at The Priory School and is working with us in order to establish a successful prevent strategy for our students where there are concerns over their mental health and well-being.

“Kieran is an asset to our school community, as well as the community of Hitchin and I truly believe that he deserves this recognition for all that he does for the young people of Hitchin.”

Kieran, who lives in Arlesey with his wife Claire and baby daughter Lily, said: “When I heard that I’d been nominated for this year’s Comet Community Awards I was both delighted and completely surprised. It never crossed my mind that someone might think me worthy and I am really grateful for the acknowledgement of the work Phase does with young people locally.

“I am inspired by wanting to make a difference in the lives of young people, to support them through struggles, give them hope to get through difficulties and to prepare them to be our future.

“Phase is passionate about the support we can offer across Hitchin and it’s a privilege to be able to work in partnership with the secondary schools and support our young people.”

Award entries will continue to be accepted until April, when sponsors – including BBW Solicitors which is backing the Service to the Community category – will judge the nominations. The May 20 ceremony takes place at Letchworth’s Icknield Centre.

To nominate someone visit www.cometcommunityawards.co.uk.