Housing worker Ryan Smith has been honoured at an awards ceremony recognising the achievements of disadvantaged young people who have succeeded against the odds.

The 20-year-old, from Bury, won the Cardinal Maritime Rising Star accolade at The Prince’s Trust & Samsung Celebrate Success Awards. 

He helped care for his disabled father at home, but developed anger issues and was a victim of bullying, which all culminated in him becoming ill.

After being out of a job for 10 months, Ryan became involved with Team, a programme delivered by The Prince's Trust in partnership with Groundwork, which equips unemployed young people with the skills and confidence to find work.

After serving a placement at a PR company and embarking on a script-writing course, he gained place on a tenant employment programme 'Steps To Success' run by Six Town Housing, which manages housing stock on behalf of Bury Council.

Ryan said: "I can’t believe I’ve won. I’m literally speechless and so grateful to everything the Trust has done for me.”

Brian Hay, chief executive of Cardinal Maritime, added: “Ryan has conquered many of life’s challenges to turn his life around and he should be very proud of his achievements.”