Teen musician with hearing loss to record abroad

Freddie's mum, Sarah, said she was "over the moon" when he won the competition

A 15-year-old boy with special educational needs - including hearing loss - will fly to the US after winning an international music competition.

Freddie, from Burton Joyce, Nottinghamshire, will see a concert in New Jersey by reggae vocalist Maxi Priest, then record music with the artist at a studio in Maryland.

Despite his hearing loss and ADHD, the teenager - who is also autistic - said he had "been around music [his] whole life".

"I think I've been able to power through it, without it affecting me too much, because I've been in that positive mindset of 'you know what, I can do anything if I put my mind to it'," he said.

The contest involved submitting a short "jingle" script which promoted healthy living.

The 15-year-old predominantly plays the piano and sings, but he can also play the harp

His mum, Sarah, said she knew Freddie would require "special needs" because of complications during and after birth, including single umbilical artery syndrome.

However, she said that it did not worry her.

"The irony is that I'm actually an audiologist, so I'm working with people with hearing loss all the time. So for me, it didn't really faze me," Sarah said.

"He's always been more determined than ever to prove that just because he has these special needs and has to wear hearing aids, it won't stand in the way of him achieving."

Sarah added the opportunity to fly to the US was "exceptionally exciting".

'He's come far'

Beyond the international competition win, Freddie has also started his own music and drama school to support other people with special educational needs.

He said there were two students so far, who were being taught through Zoom, but he has aspirations to hire spaces to hold physical sessions.

"It doesn't cost anything to believe in someone, but it makes the biggest difference," he said.

Sarah added: "When you're given the news at your 20-week scan, you know, of what [complications] could be ahead, and I look now at my 15-year-old and see what he's achieved.

"I can't honestly believe how far he's come, and how much he supports others. I'm incredibly proud."

The family will fly out to the US on 29 May, ahead of the concert.