ELIZABETH Butler dedicated her St Helens College Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement award to her lecturer Shirley Metcalfe.

Despite facing several hurdles throughout her schooling, Elizabeth has bravely battled each and every one of them.

Born with cerebral palsy, Elizabeth was also diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 11. Throughout school she suffered with anxiety meaning that she spent long periods studying at home.

Despite these difficulties Elizabeth left school with seven GCSEs at A to C grade, completed a two year course at St Helens College and secured a place at university.

However she admitted her nomination was a “bit of a surprise”.

She continued: “It was a bit scary in front of all those people but hopefully this will help me be able to do different things.

“I’m at Edge Hill University now studying animation and one day I hope to work in Manchester on children’s TV.”

Julia Callaghan, director of customer relations and marketing at St Helens College, said: “We are so proud of her but not just because she’s an ex-student.

“The college is about celebrating diversity. It’s not about ‘A’ star students it’s about maximising potential.

“And it was nice that she mentioned Shirley Metcalfe. It shows that teachers can have an impact.”

Asked where Elizabeth would display her award she joked she will mimic Oscar winners and rock stars and keep it “in the bathroom”.

Megan Crosby and Luke Schofield were highly commended.