A STAR pupil who overcame his struggle with autism to thrive through sport has been recognised for his achievements.

Tony Chaney, 13, took home a prize at an awards ceremony hosted by charity Panathlon, which gives more than 13,000 children with disabilities and special needs the chance to engage in competitive sport.

Tony is a pupil at Doucecroft School, in Eight Ash Green, and has sensory processing difficulties and autism spectrum disorder.

The charity allows him to enter their multi-sport, swimming and boccia competitions.

He has been praised by his sports teacher, Andrea Griffiths, for clinching an award in the Jack Petchey Foundation outstanding achievement category.

“Tony has helped the school win medals and trophies, and has gained a lot from being part of the Panathlon team, meaning his self-esteem and confidence have grown, not just around sport, but in everyday activities," she said.

“These sport?events have shown him he can succeed and that his efforts are valued and appreciated.

"He is still polite, helpful and kind, but he is also confident, independent and believes in himself enough to always give something a go.”

During his early education, Tony was only able to attend school for one hour a day, having been excluded, meaning there was no time at all for physical education.?

He then joined?Doucecroft, but he lacked confidence and found joining in activities difficult, as any change to his daily timetable was stressful.

But over time the school worked with Tony to improve this and he has since taken part in various Panathlon events, including the Panathlon Swimming Gala, and is also on the school football team.

Tony received his award from Paralympic gold medallist swimmer Liz Johnson.

Tony said: “I’m very, very pleased and honoured.

"I’ve done 30 Panathlon competitions and they have been a very good, interesting and exciting experience for me.

"I enjoy boccia the most.”

Boccia a precision ball sport related to bowls, often played by athletes with disabilities.

Tony’s mother, Sally, added: “I am so proud.

"To see my son achieve things we thought he wasn’t capable of is thanks to Andrea.

"Through sport, he has found out he can achieve anything.”