A Bristol teenager who has overcome his disability to be crowned a European judo champion is the latest nominee for the Young Person of the Year Awards 2009.

David Woodland, who has autism and learning difficulties, has been nominated in the active category of the awards after excelling in the sport despite suffering several injuries.

The 17-year-old from Brentry was put forward by his youth worker Eva Fielding-Jackson, who said David was a "very friendly and popular young person" who "always works hard to overcome his barriers".

David recently became an under-18 European judo champion and also competed in the Special Olympics in Leicester earlier this year.

He first discovered the sport when he was eight and, despite numerous serious injuries, including a dislocated shoulder, lives and breathes the sport.

David, who lives with his parents Keith and Mel in Turnbridge Road, is club captain at the Kodachi Judo Club in Southville. Since taking up the sport, he has travelled to Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Italy and Slovenia.

David also helps out at Southmead Disabled Youth Group, which he attends every Wednesday evening.

When asked to explain why David should win the award, Ms Fielding-Jackson, who is based at Brentry Lodge Youth Centre, said: "Winning any title in sport is not easy, especially when it is a European one and when facing barriers as a disabled person. David always work hard and overcome his barriers."

Any young person who has overcome troubles to excel at school, sport, the arts, business or as a volunteer can be nominated for the awards, which are sponsored by Barclays.

You can nominate one person or a group of young people aged between 11 and 25 for one of five different awards.

Nominations are welcome from anyone including friends, relatives, teachers and youth workers.

Just complete the nomination form printed in the Bristol Evening Post today and return it by October 23, or enter online.

Some of those nominated will get the chance to see their story in the Evening Post.

Youth organisation Young Bristol will judge the entries and whittle them down to five finalists in each category.

The winners will be announced at the Inspire Bristol awards ceremony on November 21. An overall winner will also be crowned Young Person of the Year.