TEENAGER Jonathan Harries has been presented with the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award for his outstanding contribution to his school.

A Year Ten pupil at Bedale High School and a runner-up in under-16 category of The Northern Echo Local Heroes Awards, Jonathan was rewarded for his commitment and work in track athletics for people affected by cerebral palsy.

He was inspired to take up the sport following a visit to the school last year by Hazel Robson, an Olympic gold paralympian.

Following success in meetings around the country, he struck gold in the national championships in Nottingham where he won the 800 metres.

He is now coached by Sheffield University student Sarah Jones, who has a keen interest in sports psychology and physiology and the pair hope to achieve further glory in the future.

School headteacher Dr John Critchlow said: "We at Bedale High are very proud of Jonathan, who has shown great determination to succeed despite his medical condition.

"He is a determined young man who has tremendous support from his family, coach, teachers and schoolfriends, and we all hope he goes on to more success in the future."

Jonathan was presented with his certificate by his athletics heroine Hazel, who met up with him on her way to a training camp in Wigan.