A PARTIALLY-sighted Bradford teenager has received a prestigious national award from a charity for blind people.

Usman Zahd, 16, of West Bowling, got the Action for Blind People's Actionnaires Member of the Year accolade in recognition of his determination and effort in overcoming his visual impairment to become an inspiration to others.

He received his award, alongside four other youngsters, at a ceremony at the English Institute for Sport, in Sheffield, with British Paralympian Lee Brunton.

Usman said: "Having a disability, especially visual impairment, has always been hard and I was always last to be picked in class at school. I never thought I would win an award and could help other people in sports. It's a dream come true for me, I hope I can encourage lots of other children with sight loss to put their disability aside and show others that they are no less than the rest."

Zahid, Usman’s dad, said: "This is a great moment for our family to see Usman being nominated and win this award. Our aim has always been to see our son to lead an active and as normal life as possible.

"Usman has been very active from a young age, always wanting to help others to do things that he found difficult but this has never stopped him try and achieve new things."

The judges - the charity’s activity co-ordinators for children and young people - recognised Usman over hundreds of other blind and partially-sighted youngsters aged between four and 16 years, who attend Action’s Actionnaires clubs.

The clubs help to develop the fitness and artistic skills of visually-impaired children, encouraging self-confidence and social interaction.

Usman, who has the eye condition nystagmus, has been a member of Bradford Actionnaires since it first began in 2008 and gets involved in activities and events on a regular basis. He is also a volunteer, helping and guiding other blind and partially-sighted youngsters during activities and visits.

Craig Brown, activity co-ordinator at Action for Blind People, said: "Usman is a great role model to all those in the club. His positivity and independence shows others that a visual impairment should never get in the way of achieving your goals.

"Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity for Usman to develop and gain experience and confidence. He’s a credit to the club."

For more information about Actionnaires in the Bradford area, and Action for Blind People for children and young people, ring 0113 386 2800, email James.Carey@actionforblindpeople.org.uk or visit Actn.it/Children-Club.