A FORMER Harwich schoolboy has been named the CNN Hero of the Year.

Paul “Pen” Farthing, a former Royal Marine who grew up in Dovercourt, received a top ten award from Hollywood star Benedict Cumberbatch and the overall prize from CNN presenter Anderson Cooper, for his work with charity Nowzad Dogs.

The organisation, which rescues dogs in Afghanistan and, in some cases, reunites them with soldiers they have befriended while serving, was started by Pen when he was based in the war-torn town Now Zad, in Helmand Province.

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The very first dog Pen saved, with the help of residents in Harwich, sparked the inspiration for the charity and was named Nowzad.

At the star-studded evening at the iconic American Museum of Natural History on Tuesday, Pen received a trophy and $100,000 – the equivalent to more than £62,000.

Speaking to the Standard, he said: “It is unbelievable to win. I had absolutely no idea and I amso proud and happy.

“I am still in shock.

“Benedict Cumberbatch presented me with the award for being in the top ten and after that I sat back and watched the other hero videos because I thought we had no chance.

“Without doubt, the money will make a huge difference and we are desperate to educate people about animal welfare in Afghanistan and to try and reduce rabies, which is still a huge problem.

“My phone has gone mad so I think there will be a lot of thank-yous to do now.”