A YOUNG man with learning disabilities celebrated an award for an "outstanding effort" from the police this week.
Allan Stainforth, 19, has a form of autism, yet when it came to Humberside Police's Night Challenge in March, his map-reading skills were a guiding light for his team of four from Grimsby's Foresight in the 11.5-mile trek.
On Tuesday, he was given the special recognition award for an outstanding individual effort at a ceremony in Hull's Odeon Cinema – one of only five people to be recognised out of 117 people who took part.
Mr Stainforth, of Curzon Avenue, Cleethorpes, said: "The snow was coming down and the mud was like quicksand in some places – it was up to my knees and I fell over a few times."
Allan has won a three-week expedition to the Lake District in Cumbria where he will be kayaking, abseiling, mountain-climbing and camping under the stars, in July.
It is the perfect prize for Allan, who is definitely "the outdoorsy type" – and it will count towards his gold Duke of Edinburgh award.
He added: "I much prefer being outdoors because otherwise all I can really do is sit in on my computer and that doesn't do you much good. Soon after I get back I'm going to Turkey with my family for two weeks – it's going to be the best summer of my life."
Allan has been going to Foresight for support with his learning disabilities since he was a child. He is now a young mentor, wanting to give something back, and in December, his efforts and achievements were recognised at the Foresight Annual Awards Ceremony.
Carole Howard, children's events co-ordinator for Foresight, said: "What he has achieved is remarkable for someone who struggles with empathy and understanding yet he won an award for his ability as part of a team."
