A YOUNG man from Andover who was given 24 hours to live three years ago following a stroke has won an award for his cooking skills.

Connor Bestford, now aged 20, was 17 years old when he suffered from a stroke which resulted in him having communication problems, being unable to read and write and left with restricted mobility.

Now Connor has been given the Robert Yule Award in Catering and Cooking at Foxes Academy in Minehead, Somerset.

Foxes Academy is a training hotel and catering college for young people with learning disabilities, and Connor topped the class of 79 students to scoop the accolade at the end of his first year.

Following his stroke on 3 June, 2010, Connor spent five-and-a-half months in Southampton Hospital after having emergency surgery.

At one point he was given 24 to 48 hours to live, but if he got through that time period he was in with a chance of survival.

He did and finally came out of hospital in November 2010.

Connor’s proud mother Karen Bestford said: “Before he had a stroke he always wanted to be a chef and live on the Isle of Wight.

“I heard about this place and didn’t expect to get the funding, but we did.

“You would have thought he’d won a gold in the Olympics the way I celebrated, I was so proud, he’s come such a long way.”

Connor said at the time of his stroke he wanted to get a trade so was studying to become a mechanic, but deep down his true calling was in the kitchen.

“I love it, I absolutely love it,” he added.

“The chefs I look up to are Heston Blumenthal and Rick Stein.

“I’d like to work in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, there are plenty of pubs there.”

Prior to going to Foxes Academy Connor spent a year going to Newbury College doing life skills and has also been made an honorary member of James’ Place in Penton Mewsey.