A YOUNG man who has overcome a long list of medical dramas was named one of the most inspirational people across the county.

Aston-Martin Avery, now 21, from Pitsea, was diagnosed with autism at just two and a half.

Growing up he battled the eating disorder pica which led him to eat clothes and toys, and he also suffers from the bowel disease enterocolitis which leaves bowels and internal muscles not working and causes inflammation of the intestines.

From the age of four he underwent a number of operations to fix the digestive disorder before having a full colostomy when he was eleven.

Autism often makes it difficult for people to communicate and relate to others, and Aston did not start talking until he was five years old.

Seven years ago he joined La Danse Fantastique Theatre School, based at Basildon’s Salvation Army hall in Cherrydown West, to improve his confidence and help him mix with his peers.

His hard work and courage has seen him develop into a talented and confident performer.

Not only has Aston completed Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art exams and been recommended for a university course, he has also performed in a number of shows.

It was the team at La Danse Fantastique who nominated him for the Pride of Essex Awards.

During a special ceremony at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford, Aston bagged the top prize which recognises achievement over adversity.

Proud grandmother Sheila John, 73, said: “We are all very proud. We didn’t actually think that he would win the award because he was up against so many amazing people. When Aston found out that he won he cried. He really thought he would just get highly recommended, which obviously is fantastic anyway.

“Aston really has come such a long way. Noone now would even realise that he was born with these problems.

“He used to find it hard to communicate with people but since he started college he’s really come out of his shell. He has turned into such a lovely young man.”