ADVENTURE-hungry Michael Bryan has proved he is as good as gold - and his crowning glory comes with royal approval.

Sailing the ocean wave, qualifying as a life-saver, mastering the art of photography and pumping iron are all now in the repertoire of the Fearnhead 20-year-old.

Today as Michael, of Arran Close, polishes his Duke of Edinburgh gold award, he can look back on more than two years of continued efforts behind the distinction.

And the fact that he is profoundly deaf has not held Michael back at all.

Michael and proud mum Lynn travelled down to Buckingham Palace to be officially praised for his achievements by Prince Phillip himself and Prince Andrew.

Receiving the award from top cartoonist Bill Tidy, the former 27th Warrington East Venture Scout followed in the footsteps of older brother Stephen, aged 23, who garnered the same honours.

Mum Lynn said: "It took a couple of years for him to do the gold award scheme, after getting his bronze and silver awards. Mike is profoundly deaf and he gained the award without any special help."

Lifeguards at Warrington Baths helped him to secure a bronze medallion and an award of merit.

And he also embarked on an expedition to Snowdonia and a seven-day voyage with the Ocean Youth Club on a tall ship across the Irish Sea.

Part of his course also called upon Michael to provide evidence of his physical prowess, which he demonstrated through weight-lifting. Photography also played a key part in his award.

A former pupil at Birkdale School for Hearing Impaired Children, where he did his bronze and silver courses, he now works for an electronics company in Sankey Bridges and has recently set up home in South Avenue, Orford.

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