A TEENAGER who forced the Government to tear up its budget plans to cut disability allowance for young people is among the top contenders in the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.

THE teenager widely credited with persuading the Government to perform a rapid U-turn on disability benefit cuts got a rapturous welcome on the Late Late Show last night.

MY name is Joanne O’Riordan from Millstreet in Co Cork. I was born with a disability known as “total amelia”.

AN inspirational teenager who has overcome incredible odds to live a full life was among several young people honoured at a Garda awards scheme last night.