A UKSA yachting student scooped a top award at the Prince's Trust Awards in London.

Daisy McDonnell, 22, who is currently studying her yacht masters in Cowes, won the prestigious Young Achiever of the Year Award at a glittering ceremony held at The Palladium in London.

The event was hosted by Ant and Dec and attended by celebrities including former Girls Aloud star Cheryl, Olivia Colman, Thierry Henry, Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston, Tom Hardy and Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm.

Daisy received the top award from HRH The Prince of Wales for transforming her life, after facing traumatic bereavement, depression and life on the streets.

The Prince’s Trust Awards recognise disadvantaged young people who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on their local community, as well as those who have played a part in supporting the work of The Trust.

Before contacting The Prince’s Trust for support, Daisy was facing homelessness and grief, and feeling vulnerable.

"After a traumatic and harrowing bereavement, the collapse of my relationship and the reclaiming of my apartment, I began to give up hope. Trying to hold down a full time job while living on the streets proved extremely difficult.

"I felt like there were situations where I could have died," Daisy said.

Daisy enrolled on the Princes Trust Team programme and received a grant to begin an apprenticeship as an outdoor instructor working with disadvantaged children. She decided then that she wanted to progress into yachting and discovered UKSA.

"I can’t believe I’ve won this award. I’m in a really happy place now and looking forward to making the most of the opportunities that come with UKSA. I can’t thank The Prince’s Trust enough for all their support, I don’t know where I would be without them," Daisy said.