A MAN from Clydebank who won a Royal award has told of how he didn’t let bullies stop him from becoming successful.

Jack Smyth, 24, took home the Homesense Young Achiever at The Prince’s Trust Awards last week during a ceremony at the Assembly Roxy in Edinburgh.

Born premature, Jack has battled through severe illness including being on life support, but has set up his own business combining his love of cars with his talent for art.

He was only days old when he suffered the first of three bleeds in his brain and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy - leading doctors to believe he would never walk or talk.

Defying the odds, Jack never allowed his disability to stop him from doing the things he loved and as a young boy he helped his dad work on cars and soon had a dream to open his own garage.

His time at school was ruined by bullies, and after starting college to study vehicle maintenance, the bullying continued so much that he felt there were too many unnecessary barriers that ultimately stopped him from learning.

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With his confidence low, Jack’s uncle began to teach him how to weld, and after working on scrap metal and becoming more comfortable using the equipment, Jack realised he could turn his new skills into a business.

Through Street League in West Dunbartonshire, Jack found out about The Prince’s Trust and took part in the Enterprise programme which gave him the knowledge, skills and confidence to launch Salvaged Metal Art which combines his love of cars with his newfound talents.

Jack said: “My experience at college wasn’t a positive one and it knocked my confidence. My uncle taught me to weld and as I had always enjoyed art and being creative, I began designing a table lamp using a car spring and scrap materials. Now, using car parts, I make sculptures and household items including wine racks, floor lamps and gifts.

“As well as taking part in the Enterprise programme through The Trust, I was introduced to Arnold Clark, AutoParts and Black Circles who now supply me with parts. My aim is to build my business and hopefully create jobs.

“Being told you can’t do something affects you in many ways.

“But to be here as the Young Achiever of the year is proof that you need to keep pushing yourself even when others don’t think you are capable.

“It has been a whirlwind two years, and this is the perfect way to celebrate my achievements.”