A TALENTED teenage photographer with Down Syndrome has been honoured at the National Diversity Awards.

Oliver Hellowell, 18, from Westonzoyland, beat seven others who were also in the running for the Positive Role Model Award, in the Disability Category.

The awards, hosted by TV star Brian Dowling and ITV News presenter Charlene White, were presented at a ceremony which took place on Friday, September 18 at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.

The awards aim of the awards is to celebrate the achievements of those who have demonstrated their devotion to diversity, equality and inclusion.

Oliver has built a successful photography business, recently appearing on the One Show and promoting positive and achievable expectations for people with Down Syndrome.

His photograph page on Facebook has already gained over 62,500 ‘likes’.

The judges described the keen skateboarder’s outlook on life as a “joy and an inspiration”. A record of 20,000 nominations and votes were received this year for the awards this year, paying tribute to charities and role models.

Founder of the National Diversity Awards founder Paul Sesay, said in his speech: “The grassroots organisations that The National Diversity Awards recognise are pioneering amazing initiatives on equality diversity and inclusion; and we need to promote, empower, profile and acknowledge their extraordinary achievements.”

For more information about Oliver’s work, log on to his website, oliverhellowell.com.