A TEENAGER with spina bifida who was tormented by bullies at school has been crowned the overall winner of Fenland s second Youth Achievement Awards. Oliver Hutton, 14, from Leverington, was chosen as the winner from 30 entries for this year s competition

A TEENAGER with spina bifida who was tormented by bullies at school has been crowned the overall winner of Fenland's second Youth Achievement Awards.

Oliver Hutton, 14, from Leverington, was chosen as the winner from 30 entries for this year's competition, run by Fenland District Council in conjunction with the Cambs Times and the Wisbech Standard.

His prize is a trophy, which is being presented by Chatteris snooker ace Joe Perry, and a cheque of �100 from the council.

The award ceremony is currently taking place inside the council chamber at Fenland Hall, in March. Oliver was nominated by his mum Julie for the award and was praised for "determination and strength beyond his years". He copes with spina bifida, a condition which sees one or more of the 33 bones in the human vertebrae not form properly during pregnancy. The condition has resulted in numerous operations. However, Julie said: "He suffered severe bullying at secondary school, resulting him being removed from school, and is now home schooled by myself. "Throughout his life he's shown determination and strength beyond his years." Oliver is also the winner of one of two new categories created this year - the personal achievement award. The second award, for community contribution, has been awarded to Brett Holloway, of Wimblington.

The 17 year old helps deliver coaching sessions at the village's Priory Golf Centre for adults with learning disabilities.

He was nominated by Jonathan Rose, who works at Priory and said: "Brett's given his time to volunteer at the Priory Golf Centre between college classes.

"He has learned about golf so he can voluntarily help deliver coaching sessions on Wednesday nights for Priory Disability Golf Academy. This helped the academy accept more members and increase its awareness."

Both Brett and Oliver will also receive a trophy for winning their respective category.

Each young person nominated is receiving a certificate in recognition of their achievement.

As well as Joe Perry, the awards ceremony is being attended by senior council officials, councillors and staff from the Cambs Times and Wisbech Standard