A FORMER bank worker who was told he would never walk again is set to receive a prestigious award after battling against adversity to complete his studies.

Paul Bagley, of Hawkwood Close, Malvern, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999.

He was a projects manager for Lloyds Bank across the country when the disease struck - with one of his legs becoming totally numb one day.

Four days later the 43-year-old was paralysed from the neck down and was off work for six months.

However, the disease then went into remission and he decided to re-appraise his life, enrolling as a mature student at University College Worcester.

The determined character has now completed a HND in health and social care and a fast-track BA in Social Welfare at the college.

Now his hard work is set to pay off after his dedication to learning was recognised by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education.

Mr Bagley said his dream was to build a bridge between academia and the community, to demonstrate how to overcome impairment and learning barriers as a mature adult.

"In some ways I'm a little embarrassed about receiving this award but I do think it's good recognition and a positive thing.

"If you are diagnosed with an illness and are told there's no hope, I think it shows not just can you turn it around and put value back into your life, but you can also bring value to the community."

Mr Bagley's commitment to learning is also represented in his work in the students' advice bureau as a student representative at the college.

He is also a leading member of Worcestershire Association of Service Users, an organisation undertaking training and social services work.

Mr Bagley is set to be presented with an Individual Learner Award as part of Adult Learners Week, which will tkaeplace from Saturday, May 21, to Friday, May 27.