A DYSLEXIC Burnham teaching assistant student has scooped a top award at a North Somerset College.

Cathherina Read was presented with the honour for most improved student by Casualty Star Robert Gwilym at a glittering Oscar style ceremony at the Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare.

Cathherina, of Berrow, who started Weston College with few academic qualifications, now hopes to fulfil her dream of becoming a primary school teacher.

The 20-year-old works at Berrow Primary School as a teaching assistant four days a week and also helps run the Berrow After School Club four nights a week, while also managing to fit in her College course.

"I'm delighted to have won the award. I was shocked to be nominated but it's something to put on my CV," she said.

"Since the age of six I've wanted to work with children and to become a teacher but at times it's been a real struggle due to having dyslexia.

"I've had excellent support from my tutors at Weston College who have been there to there to give me all the help I needed."