Autistic teen becomes award-winning rabbit breeder

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Nathan Mansell regularly takes his beloved pets to some of the largest animal shows in the UK and has even been made an honorary Welsh fancier, a breeder of high standards, in light of his favourite past-time.

Nathan's new-found reputation contrasts with his early days as a quiet pupil at Summergil House in Presteigne on Herefordshire's border with Wales, where he is a learner with specialist education provider Orbis Education and Care.

Those working with Nathan, 14, at Summergil House have also seen a quiet and introverted student grow into a confident young man since he took up the hobby.

Rachel Hackling, head of education, said: “It’s been an absolute delight to watch Nathan’s self-esteem grow and see him develop socially at school, as a result of this passion he has found.

Nathan’s involvement in the shows he attends now extends to stewarding, displays and award duties, and has seen him claim rosettes at The Royal Welsh Show, Three Counties Show, Swindon Show and the largest small animal show in the country at Doncaster, to name a few.