YOU can count on teenager Ben Kirkby after he picked up an award for his achievements in numeracy.

Ben (16), from Brandlesholme, won the numeracy award in the further education category of the Basic Skills Learner Awards.

Presented by BBC newsreader Gordon Burns, the award recognised Ben's determination to succeed despite having to overcome some major barriers during his education.

He is now working towards a City and Guilds at Bury College and hopes to enrol on a performing arts course next year.

Basic skills courses are widely available across the Greater Manchester area. For information on how you can get help and support, contact Toni Moore on 0161 261 0455.