A YOUNG football referee has won a national award named in memory of a colleague who died in a terrorist attack.

Alex Bradley, 20, who lives in Woodingdean, won an award for his high level of volunteering and supporting others through Sussex County Referees Association.

The award was named after fellow referee Joel Richards from West Bromwich who was just 19 when he died in a terrorist attack in Sousse, Tunisia, in June 2015.

He was shot dead by twisted IS fanatic Seifeddine Rezgui on the Sousse beach along with his uncle, Adrian Evans, and grandad Patrick Evans.

Joel’s younger brother Owen, aged 16, survived the massacre and was hailed a hero after selflessly helping a woman to shelter as his family lay dead in front of him.

Joel was an up and coming football referee with the Birmingham Football Association, and national body The Referees Association decided to introduce a new award, the Joel Richards Young Volunteer of the Year.

Alex Bradley received the accolade at an awards dinner in Hinckley, Leicestershire.

He said: "I am honoured to have won the first Joel Richards Young Volunteer of the year award. This has come as a huge surprise and I would like to thank everyone who nominated me.

"I’d also like to thank those who have helped me achieve this and supported me throughout my refereeing career to date. It is great to receive this recognition and I am already looking forward to working hard again this season."

Alex was commended for being an Ambassador for the Sussex County RA, setting up a mentoring scheme across the county, and delivering training events.

Alex added: "I am pleased that we have been able to run events for youth referees to help build their confidence, which is really important.

"We have another big season ahead of us and we have already started preparing for what we hope will be another successful year."

To become a referee, email paul.jeffery@sussexfa.com