Teenager Miles Webber has been honoured posthumously for saving lives through donation of his organs.

Miles, 13, of Littleton Panell, near Devizes, died of injuries sustained in a crash on the A360 near Black Dog crossroads last November. He was travelling in his mother Amanda’s car, going to Devizes to skateboard, when the car left the road.

His father, James Webber, was presented with an award in memory of Miles, who was a pupil at Dauntsey’s School in West Lavington, at a private ceremony in Exeter.

The award for the families and loved ones of those who saved and improved people’s lives through organ donation has been created by the Order of St John alongside NHS Blood and Transplant.

James Webber, who has moved to Ipplepen, south Devon, since the accident, said: “My son was a very popular boy who was very much a giver in life – he was always smiling and you would never see him upset. We have had quite a lot of letters from recipients but I haven’t had the strength to read them yet.

“To me, the ceremony was a great way of acknowledging Miles and the way he has helped people. That means a lot to me.”

Mr Webber was originally invited to attend an event in Wiltshire but it coincided with the anniversary of the accident, so he chose to attend a ceremony closer to home, along with his fiancee, Joanna, and his parents, Eddie and Gerry.

Explorer David Hempleman-Adams, a trustee of the Order of St John, said: “With thousands of people in the UK in need of a transplant, we felt it was important to say thank you to the families whose loved ones have already donated their organs.

“These families are an inspiration to all. With around three people dying every day due to the shortage of organs, we hope these families’ pride will encourage many more to follow in their footsteps and agree to become an organ donor.”

Between April 2012 and March 2013, the families of 1,212 people in the UK agreed to donate their loved ones’ organs, leading to thousands of patients’ lives being saved or transformed.

Sally Johnson, director of Organ Donation and Transplan-tation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Losing a loved one is devastating to family and friends. We hope receiving this new award will mean a great deal to those who have lost someone close to them and also give them renewed pride in their decision to agree to donation.

“The decision to donate their organs is an amazing legacy.

“We want everyone to be proud to donate.”