An Ammanford athlete has scooped a sporting award at a local heroes ceremony.

Michael Beynon, from Bonllwyn, has overcome the daily challenges of Down's Syndrome and poor eye sight to become an elite athlete.

He is an all-rounder but says his favourite events are the Long Jump and 100m sprint.

Michael’s achievements include competing at several events for both Wales and Great Britain as well as being part of the Special Olympics Great Britain Athletics Squad all over Europe including Ireland, Germany and Russia.

In March this year, he was also selected to represent Team GB in the European Special Games at Terni in Italy.

There he was asked to run the 200 metres track event which he has never done before.

Despite the weather in Terni being 35 degrees plus he did well for the team, winning Silver in the 200m, Gold in the 100m and helped team GB achieve a Bronze medal in the 100 metre relay event.

Michael was also fortunate enough to represent the Team GB Special Olympics squad before Pope Francis in the Vatican in Rome.

In his nomination, Stephen Walker wrote this about Michael: “He truly is a credit to everyone who has a disability and proves every day that, with determination and commitment nothing is impossible”.