A teenager who has overcome his disabilities to take part in sport – and coach younger children – has won a top award.

Ethan-Beau Howes, from Colchester, has a number of conditions including autism, AHD, a chromosome abnormality, a heart defect and has had spinal surgery, which meant he was out of school for an extended period while being treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Ethan-Beau, 15, now attends Doucecroft School and has become involved in swimming, bowling, boccia and multi-sports, competing with the charity Panathlon.

Now, as well as doing sport himself, he supports younger students in Primary Panathlon.

His confidence and selflessness earned him the 2016 Jack Petchey Outstanding Achievement Award, the top honour given by Panathlon, which helps young people with disabilities and special needs compete in sport.

Ethan-Beau collected his award from Paralympic swimming champion and Panathlon Ambassador Liz Johnson in a ceremony at the Olympic Suite, Stratford, on Wednesday.

He said: “When I heard I had been nominated I didn’t think I was worthy. There are so many people who are good at sport.

“Now I have won it is really good and I’m pleased. My next ambition is to win more trophies.

“My favourite thing is helping younger children to be the best they can be. That makes me really happy.”

Andrea Griffiths, Ethan-Beau’s school PE coach, said: “Ethan was quiet and withdrawn with no self-confidence, just a shy little boy when he came to us, and very reluctant to participate in any social event. He had not done PE in his previous mainstream school.

“We worked hard to offer him adapted activities and since he joined Panathlon he hasn’t looked back.”