Adam Bonnar, 16, from Kelly Road, Hebburn, took his GCSEs at Bamburgh School in South Shields, and now attends a college in Sunderland, run by European Services for People with Autism.

He wants to go on to higher education, to study technology and computer studies.

His grandmother, Joan Kenyon, 68, from Elmfield Road, Hebburn, has nominated him for Top Achiever in the Pride of South Tyneside Awards.

When he was a baby, Adam had an adrenal cyst removed, a double hernia operation and grommets inserted into his ears to improve his hearing.

He had a massive operation at the age of 14 to help him walk tall, as one leg was longer than the other, but now it is "perfect", said mum Angela.

Adam went to three mainstream schools before settling at Bamburgh, where he flourished.

Mrs Bonnar, who is married to Michael and also has a 10-year-old son, Jack, said: "He's very clever with computers. His ambition is to programme games for gaming machines."

She added: "He's had so much to put up with through his young life, I think it is amazing that he's got to where he is.

"A lot of kids would have given up, having to change that many schools, having to re-adapt, with his problems, and having time off for operations."

* The Pride of South Tyneside Awards, now in their sixth year, are organised by the Gazette, South Tyneside Council and the Customs House.

Ten awards are up for grabs – Carer of the Year, Community Group of the Year, Greener South Tyneside, Sporting Excellence, Top Achiever, Child of Courage, Good Friend/Neighbour, Role Model of the Year, Young Performer(s) of the Year and a Judges' Special Award. The closing date has now passed for nominations.

Sixteen Young Performer(s) nominees will get to strut their stuff on stage in a talent show at the Customs House tonight. (WED)

The awards ceremony will take place at the arts venue on Thursday, July 10.