A NATIONALLY-RECOGNISED student has recently made a trip to Parliament where he pushed forward his campaign for accessibility.

Barnsley College student Tom Ashforth was a runner up in the prestigious Student of the Year category at the Association of Colleges (AoC) awards.

The partially-sighted digital support services student balances his college work with volunteering for the Thomas Pocklington Trust, a national charity which advocates for equal opportunities for blind and partially-sighted people.

His work - which also includes acting as a disabilities officer for the Students’ Union Committee - was recognised by the national awards body where he made it to the finals in November.

“It was a great experience,” the 17-year-old told the Chronicle.

“I’m a volunteer as part of a campaign to do with making education more accessible for students with visual impairment as well as with any other disability or needs.

“It’s all quite a lot but it’s definitely rewarding.”

On top of all of this, Tom is also a member of the GB Development Squad for paracycling and keeps up regular training.

Two weeks ago, the devoted equal rights activist visited Parliament where he met with MPs to push his campaign further - though was reluctant to say if he had a favourite on the day.

“It was basically just to mingle with MPs for four hours and drink nice tea,” he added.

“They’re just like normal people to be honest.

“In the future I just want students to have what they need.”

Tom has been put forward for this year’s Young Champions awards and says the recognition he’s receiving is only helping him push his campaigns further.

“It’s a massive part of what I do - it’s the recognition which actually helps.

“I was in a meeting the other day and said I was runner up for student of the year and they just want to speak to you then.”