A HEREFORD teenager with autism has become an award-winning rabbit breeder attending animal shows across the UK.

Nathan Mansell regularly takes his beloved pets to some of the largest animal shows in the UK and has even been made an honorary Welsh fancier, a breeder of high standards, in light of his favourite past-time.

Nathan's new-found reputation contrasts with his early days as a quiet pupil at Summergil House in Presteigne on Herefordshire's border with Wales, where he is a learner with specialist education provider Orbis Education and Care.

Those working with Nathan, 14, at Summergil House have also seen a quiet and introverted student grow into a confident young man since he took up the hobby.

Rachel Hackling, head of education, said: “It’s been an absolute delight to watch Nathan’s self-esteem grow and see him develop socially at school, as a result of this passion he has found.

“He is a shining example of how anyone can make remarkable progress regardless of what their challenges may be.

"We are all super proud to count Nathan as one of our own here at Summergil House and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.”

Now Nathan also has plans to qualify as a mechanic, having taken up regular work experience at a nearby garage, said to be a direct result of the confidence breeding, showing and judging rabbits has given him.

Nathan’s mum, Sam Mansell, who travels the length and breadth of the country with her son, said: “Nathan got into showing rabbits after a competitor at a local show gave him a rabbit to get him started, which was the best gift he could have received.

“He really enjoys the social side of the shows, which have given him a confidence that he has taken into other areas of his life and will, all being well, take into the future workplace too.

"We couldn’t be prouder of him and the progress he is making as a result.”

Nathan’s involvement in the shows he attends now extends to stewarding, displays and award duties, and has seen him claim rosettes at The Royal Welsh Show, Three Counties Show, Swindon Show and the largest small animal show in the country at Doncaster, to name a few.