AN "EXCEPTIONAL" creative writer has scooped a national award.

Mature student David Phiri has been crowned the winner of the Keith Fletcher Memorial Access to Higher Education Award.

The 25-year-old Bury College graduate will receive his award during a special ceremony at the Palace of Westminster.

He received high praise from his former tutor, Shengchi Hsu, who believes David will "enrich the UK's literary landscape."

The prestigious accolade celebrates students who have excelled in their academic studies by producing outstanding work during their Access course — a diploma which prepares people without traditional qualifications for study at university.

David, aged 25, completed his Access diploma at Bury College in 2019, and achieved one of the highest GCSE English grades at the school.

The aspiring writer was delighted to be awarded the accolade for Outstanding Academic Achievement.

He said: “I am so happy and very proud to receive this award. Prior to starting my Bury College Access course I had been out of education for some time.

"Access courses have been designed to support individuals on their journeys back in to education so to receive an award to celebrate my journey is amazing."

Bury College said that David's writing skills shone throughout the course with his "exceptional" reading and analytical skills and his "flair" for creative writing.

The student was nominated for the award by his tutor, Shengchi, who felt David's reading, critical commentary and literary sophistication were worthy of celebration.

Shengchi, who is the Bury College Team Leader for Access and Education, said: “I have been honoured to work with David on our Humanities diploma. This award validates not only his academic achievements, but also his exceptional talent in writing.

"I look forward to seeing him develop into a writer, enriching the UK’s literary landscape with his powerful voice.”

David will receive his award in London later this year.