A SOUTHAMPTON student has set a new standard for performance after winning a top award.

Aimee Grayson was awarded highly commended performing arts student of the year in the national BTEC Awards 2018.

The 20-year-old began her course at City College in September 2015 with no previous experience in acting and little confidence.

But despite needing to use a wheelchair, Aimee has taken on challenging and diverse roles such as Dame Flabby Babble in Aladdin and Lucius in Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus.

And last year she directed the college production of Macbeth.

The talented student then went on to get a double distinction grade on the BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts.

Now teachers say she is one of the “stand-out” pupils on the course.

She said: “I hope to one day work with Imaginarium Studios and pioneer the way for all actors, able-bodied and disabled, young and old. Because everyone can do it.”

She cites her inspirations as Ian Dury and said: “Dury suffered from polio and said ‘People like me don’t want your pity, we want your respect’.

“As a wheelchair user constantly battling with depression and frustration, this quote made all the sense in the world to me.”

Aimee has just completed tje final year of the HND in performing arts and is hoping to get another distinction grade

City College principal Sarah Stannard added: “We are extremely proud of Aimee’s achievements at City College.

“Her passion for acting and drive to succeed shines through in her performances.

“Her ambition for herself and for others, and her courage in pushing through barriers, mean that she is a fantastic role model to other students, both able-bodied and disabled.

“We wish her every success with her future career.”