Anthony proves a battler.

He's just 15 but has overcome joint contractures and a spinal abnormality to achieve academic and sporting success.

Anthony Tipling-Bower of Hartley Square in Seaton Sluice, was diagnosed with Escobar Syndrome and a hearing impairment.

Throughout his life he has been confined to a wheelchair and has had to have three major operations ( one spinal, one abdominal and one to correct his foot.

But Anthony's optimistic attitude has allowed him to integrate into school life and cope with all his challenges.

He has won prizes at Monkseaton High School in Seatonville Road, Whitley Bay, for outstanding effort and achievement. He is also predicted to earn A and B grades for the 10 GCSE subjects he is studying.

But the teenager's talents don't just lie with academic subjects. He has completed the Junior Great North Run five times and this year raised more than pounds 200 for Whiz Kids, a children's wheelchair charity.

He was nominated by Kelly Rushbrooke, a learning support assistant at his school.

Ms Rushbrooke said: "Anthony takes part in all school PE lessons, participating in the same programme as able-bodied students. He plays school rugby and is in the under-16 basketball team.

"He is a determined and independent person who never shirks a challenge."

Anthony aims to go on to sixth form to study A-levels and then on to university.