A CAMPAIGNER who was handed the keys to his "beloved" castle after 20 years of preservation efforts has been recognised for his work.

Mark Baker, 33, is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award from Prime Minister Theresa May.

Mr Baker's childhood dream of owning Gwrych Castle, which overlooks Abergele, came true this June after the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust brought the site.

This was achieved after the UK government-funded National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) stepped in with a grant of £600,000. A major grant was also received from the Richard Broyd Charitable Trust.

Mr Baker is chairman of the trust. When he was 11 years old, he fell under the spell of the castle and at 13, formed the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust.

In a personal letter to Mr Baker, Mrs May said:

“From launching the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust at just 13 years old, to finally receiving the keys to the castle this year, your remarkable determination and years of campaigning have saved an important part of local history.

“I wish you all the very best with the restoration works which will preserve the castle for generations to come.”

The accolade recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and are inspiring others.

Mr Baker, who has published Gwyrch Castle: An Official Guide, said: "I found out a few weeks ago, it was out of the blue.

"I've been told that the prime minister personally selected me. I am very humbled - incredibly humbled.

"It has been over 20 years of hard work.

"I haven't had the letter yet - I've been told it will arrive. It is a great honour, to get national recognition.

"It [the letter] will go straight into our archives."

The castle's rich and diverse history include direct links to the British Royal Family and its role in housing over 200 Jewish refugee ‘Kindertransportee’ children during the Second World War.

David Jones, MP for Clwyd West, said: "Mark Baker has campaigned tirelessly for the restoration of Gwrych Castle.

"This is a huge achievement for such a young man and I am delighted that he has won this award."

The castle needs a 10-year £15 million makeover to restore it to the palatial residence that once welcomed the young Princess Victoria.

Plans are in place to restore the main building.

Mark is the 106th winner of the Points of Light award.