A YOUNG Darlington man who turned his life around after being expelled from school has won a prestigious award.

Aidan Sayers, 19, won the Prince's Trust Ascential Educational Achiever Award, which recognises young people who have overcome barriers and and improved their future prospects through re-engagement with education.

Aidan was 'presented' the award at a star-studded ceremony hosted by Ant and Dec and featuring appearances by celebrities including Dame Helen Mirren, Idris Elba and Holly Willoughby.

Aidan was congratulated for his achievements after he faced several setbacks during his school years.

At 14 he had to uproot his home and school life and move in with his grandparents.

Having lost all his friends and being behind in school, Aidan became increasingly frustrated and disruptive which led to him being excluded and unable to sit his exams.

He later enrolled in several college courses, but was excluded again.

Determined to change his future for the better, Aidan reapplied to college where he enrolled on The Prince’s Trust Achieve programme to gain some career direction.

After two years on the programme, Aidan went on to successfully find employment at a call centre for Test and Trace during the pandemic and has more recently started a new role as a customer service advisor at BT Broadband.

Aidan said it was a surprise to win, adding: "I have a complicated relationship with education because it’s been both a positive and negative thing in my life at different points.

"When I was younger, education created a lot of challenges for me and I didn’t feel supported, but Claire (Prince's Trust mentor) put me on the right path with The Prince’s Trust Achieve programme, and I wouldn’t be where I am now without that education support.

"It means the world to me to have won this award, and it’s made my gran proud.”

In the pre-recorded video message, Founder and President of The Prince’s Trust, HRH The Prince of Wales said: “I would like to send my most heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s award winners, each of you has inspired us with your determination, your incredible spirit and your commitment to working towards a truly positive future.”