A STUDENT from Ross-On-Wye with autism has won a national award for his painting skills.

Michael Baillon, 21, took home silver in the Youth 2D Art category of the Unique Art Awards, a national competition run by the Mouth and Foot Painting Trust Fund to encourage young people with disabilities to develop their creativity.

The 21-year-old is a third year student at National Star in Cheltenham, a specialist college for young people with complex disabilities and learning difficulties.

Michael was awarded for his acrylic painting, 'The Anchor of One's Self'.

Explaining his work, Michael said: "We have all come to assume that trust is an eternal force that connects individuals, but the trust that no one knows about is the trust in one’s self.

"The mountains at the base of the anchor represent the physical strength that keeps our heads held high, the creatures that pass by are the personification of various emotions and the marine vegetation that cling on to the sides of the anchor’s mighty surface represent a sense of calm that we all have inside.”

Louise Adams, National Star art tutor, said: "Michael is an incredibly talented artist who has very independent ideas and thoughts.

"This award is richly deserved and it was a great accomplishment for Michael."

Michael hopes to study art at mainstream college and possibly attend university after he leaves National Star in July.