A graduate has been shortlisted for an award for his website giving a voice to students across the country.

Siraj Datoo, of Torbay Road, Harrow , has been nominated for the John Lewis Young People of the Year (YOPEY) award for his website The Student Journals.

The 23-year-old started the website three years ago while he was studying at Warwick University.

The website gives students across the country the chance to write articles on issues which matter to them and publish them online.

He said: “I wanted to give students an alternative platform for their views. It was a lot of effort to set up this platform, but definitely worth it. We have had very positive feedback from students.”

Mr Datoo has watched his website grow and now has a group of 20 volunteers managing the website with himself as managing editor.

The YOPEYs aims to highlight the work of children, teenagers and young adults from the ages of ten to 25 who are role models to others their age.

Winners of the award will get a £1,000 prize, half of which is to be donated to a charity of their choice.

People who know someone who could be nominated for a YOPEY award can do so by clicking here.