A 15-year old autistic girl who was once too scared of the sea to put on a wetsuit has been named Disabled Surfer of the Year at the UK Pro Surf Association annual inclusion awards, sponsored by The Wave Project.

Lily Rowswell, from Calenick near Truro, scooped the honour at a special ceremony on Sunday night celebrating the best of UK surfing.

The audience heard how Lily’s autism had once made her too anxious to leave the house. But 18 months ago, her life changed when she signed up to do a surf course with The Wave Project.

Her parents were initially sceptical that Lily would be able to cope, but she surprised everyone by taking to surfing with real enthusiasm.

Now her entire family have taken up the sport, including her 11-year old sister Maisy and parents Theresa and Hugh – and they go surfing every week.

Speaking on her daughter’s behalf, Mrs Rowswell said: “Surfing has turned Lily’s life around and she is incredible proud to receive this award.”

Wave Project chief executive Joe Taylor said: “Lily’s achievement shows that any young person can overcome their anxieties and achieve new things. That’s what good mental health – and a good life – is all about.”

Another inspiring young person to be honoured at the event was 12-year old Oliver Adams, from Par, Cornwall, who was presented with an award for Courage in Overcoming Challenges.

Oliver, his sister Caity and mum Sharron were all obliged to change to change their surname and move out of their house for their own safety after a family breakdown. The process caused Oliver to develop anxiety and panic attacks, and led to him being taken out of school.

Oliver used surfing to help him cope throughout this ordeal, and has now started at school again. Receiving his award, the youngster got a standing ovation from the surfing elite when he told them: “If I was any more happy I’d explode!”

The Wave Project also issued awards for: Volunteer of the Year - Greg Matthews, from St Austell Young Volunteer of the Year – Katy Spencer, from Truro Inclusive Surf School of the Year – St Ives Surf School Dave Reed from UK Pro Surf: “This was a fantastic awards ceremony, the event is getting bigger and better each year. The inclusion awards sponsored by The Wave Project provide real grounding for professionals in the surf industry and help to remind us how important surfing can be in helping more disadvantaged people.”