THE family of Jason Douglas Inchley have spoken of their pride after the Chard teenager was presented with a Pride of Somerset Youth Award.

Young heroes were recognised for their outstanding achievements at a special ceremony on Friday.

Parents and family members joined supporters and awards organisers for the evening at the Somerset College Conference Centre.

The annual awards were organised by The Rotary Club of Taunton with the Chard and Ilminster News and BBC Somerset.

Sarah Hyde, of The News, said: “It was a privilege to meet these inspirational young people and their families. Some had shown courage and determination to overcome health issues which would halt most people in their tracks, others showed compassion and resilience beyond their years, and yet more dazzled with sporting achievements and dedication.”

Jason was born with Cerebral Palsy but despite the challenges that have been thrown at him he always remains cheerful and never complains.

He had an operation to create insteps involving breaking both ankles, before inserting bone taken from his hip.

As he grew he needed to have Botox injections into his leg muscles to help him to walk and develop properly.

He was not expected to succeed academically but he went on to gain eight GCSEs and he now attends Bridgwater College working towards Level 2 Horse Care Diploma.

He has been riding since the age of seven and aspires to compete in the RDA National Championships, training with North Cornwall Group, who provide a horse and trainer suitable to take up his challenge.

Jason has had three major heart operations for aortic valve replacement and in 2014 the replacement valve was metal, which means he will be taking Warfarin for life.

As a Scout he has never let Cerebral Palsy get in the way of him doing things and he has completed walking, cycling, camping, orienteering and climbing challenges.

He is an altar server at the Good Shepherd Church in Chard and has graduated to MC – responsible for mass ceremonials.

His father James said: “He never moans and he just gets on with it.

He is delighted and has received lots of messages on Facebook, we are so proud of him.

“You don’t know until the night if he is going to win, so it was like the Oscars and he was just beaming.

At one point we thought we were going to lose him but he just battles on.”