A SPORTS mad charity stalwart has been nominated for a top award.

Jordan Smith, 31, is nominated in the young ambassador of the year category for the Eastern region of the The Prince's Trust awards.

After being born 16 weeks prematurely, Jordan was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and mild learning difficulties which impacts on his movement and ability to concentrate for long periods of time.

During his school years, teachers failed to understand his condition but he has since been able to play football for England Cerebral Palsy football team, take on incredible sailing challenges and set up his own business.

Jordan, who now lives in Highwoods, said: "I remember being asked to do a football stepover in a PE lesson and being scored a 0 out of ten even though my legs could not move that way, and being asked to do a basketball lay-up in front of the class despite the fact I could not jump.

"It is the emotional scars from those times which hurt more than the physical ones."

The Princes's Trust helped Jordan get into the sports industry with hometown club Colchester United and he has helped represent the charity ever since.

He said: "I have met the Queen and done some amazing challenges with the Prince's Trust - without them I don't think I would be alive today."

If Jordan wins the eastern region heat in Stevenage he could end up with a chance of making the national finals next year at an award's ceremony hosted by Ant and Dec.

Jordan added: "It is always a great night and I am really looking forward to it."