"I NEVER thought I'd be here," said a former Stroud College student with cerebral palsy as he scooped an award last night for his role in Emmerdale.

James Moore made his debut in the soap last June as the long-lost son of Charlie Dingle - now, he has won Best Newcomer at the National Television Awards on Wednesday, beating rivals from Coronation Street and EastEnders.

After his victory was announced by former football manager Harry Redknapp and his son, Jamie, James burst into celebration and was piggy-backed onto stage.

"Thank you so much - this means the world to me," he said in an emotional speech that brought some in the audience to tears.

"A year ago I never thought I'd be here.

"And for Emmerdale to take on someone with a disability shows the progression we need in this day and age."

James studied Photography on the UAL Foundation Art & Design at SGS College’s Stroud Campus - he visited his old tutor, John Stadnicki, to tell him he had landed the Emmerdale role.

Reacting to James's win, John said: "James was a former student of mine and always displayed rare perseverance and stamina. 

"He never gave up on anything he set his mind to and was focussed and driven; an example to all of us.

"I'm incredibly proud to have taught him and of his tremendous success in Emmerdale.

"Winning a National Television Award last night is a fantastic accolade and hugely deserved. Well done James from all of us at SGS College!"