COURAGEOUS youngster James has overcome his personal handicap to scoop a national honour.

A little more than two years ago James Caunce of Knowsley Road, Blackburn, fell and shoved his right hand through a plate glass window.

The 10-year-old required microsurgery and nearly 20 stitches. The nerves in all but his little finger were damaged and his grip was so weak that he had trouble gripping a pen.

James had to learn to write all over again with his left hand until he could hold a pen sufficiently. He then had to learn to write with his right hand again.

"He has gone through a lot of hardship and he still has a great big lump on his hand," said his mum Sue. "He still cannot feel hot and cold sensations on his hand and an occupational therapist visits him at school to help with his recovery. We don't know if he will fully get over it."

His grasp is still weak causing James to drop things but his writing has come on in leaps and bounds. And to cap his remarkable recovery the Salesbury CE Primary School pupil has just been named as one of the best handwriters in the country!

For James has won the Special Needs Category in the Parker Prize competition which attracted more than 160,000 entries.

The event was organised by Parker pens and James was entered by his class teacher Bridgit Mansoori.

"We are extremely pleased that James managed to win a prize," said Mrs Mansoori. "He has been trying really hard with his writing and we are delighted that he has been rewarded. It goes to show that even in this age of computers handwriting is still important."

The youngster went to the Natural History Museum in London to collect his prize with mum Sue and older brother John, 13.

"I think it is fantastic, James has done really well," said Sue. "He still has a long way to go but he deserves it."

James' prize was a Parker pen, a certificate and to meet former Blue Peter star Katy Hill. But the best part for him was the trip down south.

"I love the Natural History Museum and all the different zones it has," said the modest youngster. "I have been there before but it was much better this time.