A HARD-WORKING youngster from Hayes has been recognised by the Prince’s Trust for his educational achievements over the last year.

Samuel Harris, 16, is one of three young people nominated for the Novae Educational Achiever award and will find out if he has won in a ceremony at Bloomsbury Ballroom on Wednesday.

The award recognises young people who have been on Prince’s Trust xl programmes and have developed new skills and re-engaged with education.

Samuel, who has special educational needs and wears a hearing aid, enjoyed his time in the xl programme, run in partnership with Barnhill Community High School.

He had previously been disruptive in lessons after being held back a year in primary school but has now worked hard and gained his PDE level one certificate in only 12 months.

A spokesperson for the Prince’s Trust said: “Sam has grown into a mature young man who interacts positively with peers and teachers and knows he can achieve whatever he puts his mind to.”

Samuel is about to start year 11 at school and is confident his new attitude towards education will help him achieve highly.

He said: “This time last year there was no way I’d have believed I could do well at school or have the friends that I do.

“I know now that, if I work hard and talk about my problems, I can achieve anything.”

The Achiever Award is part of the Prince’s Trust and Samsung Celebrate Success awards which recognise the successes of disadvantaged young people across London.