AN inspirational High Wycombe entrepreneur has been crowned winner of a Prince’s Trust award.

Shaun McPherson, 31, beat two other contenders to be named Young Ambassador of the Year at the at The Prince's Trust Awards earlier this month.

He was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and severe behaviour problems and was excluded from schools three times by the time he was 15.

But despite finding the determination to put himself through college, Mr McPherson struggled to hold down a job.

He then heard about The Prince's Trust Enterprise Programme which helps unemployed young people to start up in business.

With the charity’s support, Shaun up his own business making bespoke pond covers. He was named a Young Ambassador to share his story with others.

Mr McPherson said: 'I was stuck in very dark place before I came to The Trust and they were like a flashlight or a torch.

“I feel like they helped me get my own torch and now, through my work as an ambassador, I hope I am able to shine that light for other people'.

The Prince of Wales was joined by a host of celebrities at London's Leicester Square Odeon Cinema to pay tribute to young people who have overcome issues such as abuse, drug addiction and homelessness at the ceremony.

Joan Collins, who presented Shaun with his award, said: “I can't even imagine how hard it must have been for Shaun to turn things around.

“Having the strength and courage to come through that is inspiring enough but to then use his story to inspire others is even more incredible.”