A young weightlifter, 11-year-old Stefano Cataldi has been nominated for the sporting achievement award.

He joined the Merton Weightlifting Club in September 2014, six months after the club opened.

The school boy currently trains on a Tuesday and a Saturday for two hours and works out independently at home.

Stefano had just moved to the area when he joined the Merton Weightlifting Club, based in Wimbledon Leisure Centre, and has relished the chance to make friends in a non-educational environment.

He has gained confidence as a result and his coach, Martin Marshall, said: "Within a few months he’s really come out of his shell, it’s been great to see."

Despite only having been weightlifting for a few months, Stefano’s confidence is sky-rocketing.

In December he took part in the Merton Club Championships, in which he won second place; and in February he entered the British Schools Development Cup, in which he also came second.

His coach is very pleased to see how much he has changed in such a short time, and has high hopes for the future.

Mr Marshall said: "He has progressed really well. Out of all the members of the club he could be the first to be able to lift his entire body weight."

Stefano said: "I want to be the best I can be." During his time at the club he has also made many friends, whom he loves to spend time with.

There is still time to nominate someone for a Merton Civic Award. Visit the website for more details.