A teenager who suffered a "devastating" brain tumour has been recognised for inspiring others through his recovery.

Alex Barton, 19, from Enfield was just 15-years-old when he received brain damage following surgery to remove a tumour in 2014.

A guitarist and typical teenager Alex, started to see signs that something was not right.

He said: “When I was 15 I started to notice changes to my body.

"My arm was weak and my leg was weak on my right side.

"I wasn’t writing in the same way and I loved to play guitar every single day and every single day I noticed I wasn’t playing the same.”

After his tumour was removed Alex was left with communication difficulties and had to use a walking stick.

Confidence at an all-time low, Alex stayed at The Children’s Trust in Tadworth in Surrey for rehabilitation.

Alex is now 19-years-old and still has to use a walking stick, but has managed to play the guitar again.

After keeping the other children's spirits high Alex was nominated for the London Children of Courage Awards by The Children’s Trust.

He was presented with the award last month.

Upon returning to the rehab centre he said: “It’s quite weird actually staying here in the same place and being able to walk.

“I can sit here talking about my story of how things have come along.

“I’ll never be as I was but that's ok I still have lots of problems and I need a walking stick.

“Fatigue is a big problem and can be debilitating at times but I’m a lot better than I was.”

Now 19, Alex recently achieved A-levels and secured a place at University.

He is still heavily involved with the charity, helping to raise awareness of brain injury by giving talks and continuing to inspire other young people not to give up on their dreams.