A SELFLESS teenager who spends more than five hours each day caring for his mum and grandparents has narrowly missed out on a top award.

Alex Griffiths was shortlisted for this year's BBC Radio 1 Teen Hero Awards, which celebrates the achievements of young people across the country.

The Brierley Hill teenager has been a carer since he was five-years-old, helping his mum, Sharon, who has has MS, his grandmother Angela, who is a double amputee and his grandfather Albert, who has suffered from a series of strokes.

He was nominated for the award by his support worker at the children's charity Spurgeons, as in addition to caring for his family, Alex dedicates much of his spare time to mentoring other young carers.

The 16-year-old beat off stiff competition from thousands of nominees to be shortlisted for the award but didn't make the final three.

However Alex, who is studying for his A-levels at Bishop Milner Catholic College in Dudley, will still get to attend the star-studded awards bash in London on Sunday and watch performances from Little Mix and Jess Glynne.

The youngster, who will also get a tour of the Radio 1 studio, said: "I'm actually really excited about going to the awards. It will be my first ever concert.”

He said although he was pleased to be nominated, he felt as though he didn't deserve the recognition, adding: "It's just what I do. I’ve been a carer since I was five and often spend over five hours a day caring for my family.

"This can involve anything from cooking meals to providing personal care. It’s demanding and needs to be fitted in between school but I’m not alone, there is an army of young people for who, like me, caring is a part of normal, everyday life.

"Growing up is hard, but with the added responsibility of caring, it can be a minefield. It’s for this reason that I became an advocate through Spurgeons’ Young Carers.

"They provide everything from information and advice, trips and activities, practical help for the family, educational, training and homework support and one-to-one mentoring."

Alex is part of the charity's young carers committee and was recently involved in a consultation with Dudley Council, helping to review its carer services and develop resources, specifically aimed at young carers.

Angie Jones, a support worker at Spurgeons, said: “Alex’s caring role is very demanding. In between attending school, he cooks meals, cleans the family home, helps to change his grandad's dressings, and moves his nan to and from her wheelchair.

"For many people this would be too much, but Alex is a remarkable teenager who spends his limited spare time raising awareness for Spurgeons, and volunteering for other causes close to his heart.

"He's a perfect example of a teen hero: putting the needs of others above himself and without asking for anything in return.

"He'll always be a teen hero to us. And, not least, to the family that have come to depend on him so much.”