A man told he would never be able to read “has proved everyone wrong” and been recognised by the King for efforts teaching youngsters.

David Snook, from Whitstable, initially felt rejected by staff at a special needs school when he was five but was moved to a mainstream institution when they realised his potential.

The 42-year-old went on to secure a B-grade in A-Level English before earning a degree at Canterbury Christ Church University.

And now his education services have been recognised in the recent New Year Honours List.

Mr Snook, who has cerebral palsy, said: “I went to a special needs school and was told when I was five I would not be able to read.

“It made me more determined to overcome it and prove everyone wrong.

“I felt down about it as it makes you feel rejected.”

But staff realised Mr Snook had “much more potential than initially thought” and he was moved to the mainstream St Anselm’s Catholic School two years later.

He achieved nine GCSEs and stayed on for his A-levels before studying for a joint honours degree in English and History at CCCU for three years.

“I am glad that I proved everyone wrong,” he added.

“I am lucky to have been given the opportunities I have been given.”

But pursuing A-levels and a university degree was not without its challenges.

“I was quite slow at thinking and reading, so when I was at CCCU my mum and dad had to read the text and I had to listen.

“I had a scribe in class so I dictated what I wanted to say and they would write it for me.”

Mr Snook volunteers at Hampton Primary School in Herne Bay, giving pupils one-to-one support with their reading, which he has been doing for two decades.

“Hampton has been amazing over the past 20 years,” he said.

“I go in twice a week to help nine-year-olds.

“I listen to them read and when they get stuck, I help them.

“We do phonics and chat about what they have been doing at home and in class.”

Mr Snook says he is “hugely honoured” to receive a British Empire Medal for services to education.

“I share this award with all the wonderful staff at Hampton who have supported me to read with the children for 20 years,” he said.

“I have had an amazing time and enjoyed every minute

“I would not be receiving this award without the support Hampton has given me.”

Mr Snook will receive the medal at a garden party in the summer at Buckingham Palace.