AN 18-year-old who refused to let his sight-loss hold him back has received a prestigious award from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Scott Anderson from Runcorn helped school children with vision impairment make ceramic poppies as a lasting legacy to those who lost their sight in the First World War.

Scott, who has Nystagmus, a condition which causes the eyes to constantly move, was presented with an RNIB recognition award for Outstanding Young Role Model.

Some of the first poppies made through Scott's leadership were sent to the Queen, Prince Phillip and the prime minister, who wore one in the House of Commons.

Larger ceramic panel pieces were gifted to and are now displayed at the Palace of Westminster.

Scott said: "It’s truly amazing to have won this award.

"However, I wouldn’t have had this opportunity to show my leadership skills without Jane, the ceramics teacher who comes to my school every week.

"I love anything to do with art so working with ceramics for the past two years has been really enjoyable."

Andrea Glover, network manager for RNIB in the north west, said: "Our 150th anniversary provided a unique opportunity, not just to celebrate a milestone for our organisation, but also to celebrate the amazing achievements that have transformed the lives of blind and partially sighted people in the area.

"Scott’s work is an example of such an achievement.

"By learning the ceramic process and then patiently teaching younger pupils and sighted peers what to do, he has made a real difference to inclusion in schools.

"Not only is he a role model to the younger children, he has been significant in breaking down barriers and generating awareness of what people with visual impairments can achieve locally and nationally.

"With this award, we are thrilled to be able to give Scott’s hard work and dedication the recognition it deserves."