A “shy” student has scooped a leading role at his college.

Yahya AdelTalukdar has landed the role of student union president at Barking and Dagenham College.

The 18-year old business studies student had been studying at the college for two years before securing the position.

Yahya, from Barking said: "When I first went to the college I had a stutter and this really affected my confidence, so the main thing I wanted to do was to master my confidence and overcome my stutter."

The college helped him to overcome this with internship opportunities and lots of support.

Yahya applied for the role as a way of thanking the college for helping him. He said: "It will be a great way of giving back to the College that's done so much for me.'"

As student union president Yahya meets regularly with senior managers to feedback students' views and needs.

He also acts as an ambassador for the college and has given tours to Dagenham and Rainham MP Jon Cruddas.