A Newhaven teenager has received an achievement award after overcoming years of pain to go to college.

Jolene Tait, 19, received the trophy from Alan Wooll, president of the Newhaven, Peacehaven and Seaford Lions, at the Plough Inn, Seaford, last Thursday.

Jolene, of Cornelius Avenue, Newhaven, was bedridden for almost six years with chronic pain.

She was born with partial hearing and speech difficulties and missed a large part of her schooling through her health problems.

Despite these setbacks, Jolene discovered she had an eye for photography and now studies at Sussex Downs College in Lewes.

The Lions' Derek McGarvie said: "Because of what she had been through the members of the committee felt she deserved her own award. "

Jolene was also given a cheque for £100.