A budding scriptwriter and filmmaker who suffers from dyslexia is one step closer to his dream career after being accepted on to a prestigious course.

John Walton beat off competition from more than 1,000 hopefuls to be one of 80 young filmmakers to receive a place on the National Youth Film Academy’s Summer Course 2013.

The University of Bradford student, who is in the first year of a media technology and production degree, will be one of five aspiring writers on the intensive two-week course in August.

Mr Walton, who also suffers from Asperger syndrome and cystic fibrosis, said: “This is a huge step towards my career.

“I want to be a scriptwriter and producer – it is one of my ultimate dreams. This course will help me achieve that dream.”

The 24-year-old, who is aiming to work on medical dramas or comedies, counts Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French among his inspirations.

He said: “I have dyslexia, but I am creative and I can adapt. I am from a unique background and I went to a special needs school.

“I have overcome disabilities to get to university and to get on this course. I am unconventional. Why should I let disabilities get in the way?”

The National Youth Film Academy is supported by the Directors Guild Trust and the Directors Guild of Great Britain, and was created to identify, develop and demonstrate the talents of gifted young filmmakers aged between 16 and 25.

The students will work in teams to produce, edit, write, direct and act in their own short films with the mentoring and instruction of industry professionals. The films will then be showcased at the end of the programme at an independent cinema with the opportunity for a selected, exceptionally-talented few being invited to become members of the NYFA. These members will then be invited to participate in NYFA productions and events.

Mr Walton, who will be getting involved in technical work and acting during the Watford-based course, had to audition for his place.

He said: “I had to tell them about what scripts I have written, and why I like writing.

“I told them that I do a lot of things despite my disabilities, such as climbing. I have passion for a subject, but I can focus on other things as well.”

NYFA artistic director Rob Earnshaw said: “We are incredibly proud to have John and other young hopefuls on this year’s introductory course. In 2013 the NYFA promises to be bigger and better than ever.”