MINEHEAD hospitality and catering student Charlie Riley knows just how to talk about his work - with lots of enthusiasm.

The Foxes Academy learner has just won the national final of the 'Gift of the Gab' presentation skills competition.

Charlie beat off rivals from across the country with a presentation about his work experience at Minehead's Promenade Hotel.

And using his own skills and creativity with minimal support from his tutors, Charlie so impressed the judges they said his passion for his job shone through.

Charlie faced a panel of industry experts from Everyman Theatre, Rowan and Littlefield Publishers, Freeman Christie Communications Consultants and National Star College at the final of the competition, which was organised by Natspec - the Association of National Specialist Colleges.

The event was the first fully inclusive skills competition to take place in the UK's further education sector and was designed to give students with disabilities or complex learning needs a fair, fully supported environment in which to demonstrate their expertise, passion and work-readiness.

Charlie was supported at the final, which was held in Cheltenham, by a number of staff and fellow students from Foxes, which offers educational and vocational training in a hotel which is open to the public.

The judges, who awarded marks for research, IT skills, clarity, interest and impact, described his performance as professional and confident and said he would be a great asset to a future employer.

In return, Charlie said he was delighted to be honoured with the award.

"Giving the presentation to a large audience took me out of my comfort zone but I have learned new skills and met some really great people," he said.

Foxes Academy principal Sharon Bowden said everyone was incredibly proud of Charlie and his achievement in such a pressured situation.

"Sadly, by the time they reach 26, disabled people are four times as likely to be unemployed as their non-disabled peers.

"Charlie, however, has shown us all that, given the right educational and vocational support, disabled youngsters can become valued members of the country's workforce, enjoying the satisfaction and rewards of a meaningful job."

Charlie and principal Sharon Bowden are pictured with the prestigious award.