A man branded useless at school has overcome learning and physical disabilities to be named adult learner of the year.

Robert Brown, 51, was told on his first day at secondary school: "Well, someone has to sweep the streets and clean the toilets."

Now he is celebrating more than ten years of scholarly achievements and is to be publicly honoured.

Mr Brown's education suffered because of physical disability and dyslexia. He left school with few qualifications and little confidence in his ability to read and write.

Mr Brown, of Lower Bevendean, said: "Learning has been the greatest gift that anybody could have given me. I have done things I would never have done before.

"At school, being told you are thick and stupid, you tend to believe it."

Undeterred, he took up adult education at Brighton Technical College, now City College Brighton and Hove, in the early Nineties to improve his literacy.

He went on to exceed all his expectations, quickly accruing four GCSEs and one A-level.

During his studies he visited an art gallery for the first time and was so struck by the experience a tutor suggested he try some art history courses at the Centre for Continuing Education, a university institution specialising in part-time university education for adults with work or other commitments.

They proved a great success. He went on to complete courses in subjects as diverse as biblical studies and voluntary sector management.

Now he taking a course in creative writing and is well on his way to completing a full degree course.

Mr Brown said: "Everybody should have the opportunity to excel and improve themselves.

"It has been a privilege to find I have skills, not only to help myself but others too."

Sussex University's Centre for Continuing Education says it is impressed with Mr Brown's determination not to be defeated by physical disability and dyslexia.

The voluntary worker and health campaigner is now sharing the skills and confidence he has developed, advising other people with learning disabilities how to reach their goals.

Mr Brown's tutor Jackie Parry, who nominated him for the learner of the year award, said: "Robert has overcome many personal disadvantages and has demonstrated a real will to learn."

Mr Brown also acts as a council tenants' representative, is the chairman of his local community forum and is the warden at The Church of The Holy Nativity in Norwich Drive, Bevendean.

Brighton and Hove mayor Bob Carden will present him with his city council-sponsored award at a ceremony at Jubilee library on Thursday.

The event is part of Adult Learners Week, a national festival funded by the Government, the European Social Fund and learndirect.

The Centre for Continuing Education is offering a series of taster sessions on June 11 and 18.

Sessions include creative writing, local history and landscape studies, media and cultural studies, women's studies, global climate change and arts management. For more information call 01273 877888.