THE musical achievements of a blind, autistic student with severe learning difficulties have been recognised at an awards ceremony.

Nick Shaw, 20, is a student at Henshaws College, in Harrogate and began playing the piano when he was two - by the age of six, he was playing the cello.

His studies at Henshaws are designed to develop his skills sufficiently to enable him to follow a career in music.

On Thursday night, Mr Shaw was presented with the Achievement in Education prize at the 12th Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards.

The awards, in aid of children's charity NCH and sponsored by law firm McCormicks, celebrate the achievements of people under 35 across the county.

Awards chairman Peter McCormick said: "Over the 12 years of the awards, we have heard many moving and inspiring stories and this year has certainly been no exception. I am delighted that we have been able to recognise the supreme efforts of our winners."