It is all adding up for a 14-year-old Shipley student. For many, maths is a numerical nightmare but David Lawson's dexterity for digits and his flair for figures has earned him a place on one of the most prestigious academic schemes in the country.

The Year Nine pupil at Nab Wood School beat hundreds to gain a place on the National Academy for Gifted and Talented students run by Warwick University.

And he has not let profound deafness stand in his way.

Today the school praised their star pupil.

Manager for the department for the deaf Paddy Kidd said: "The programme has been running for a number of years and is designed to challenge and enrich students of a higher ability and talent.

"David's acceptance on this course will enable him to develop further and give him the opportunity to meet other like-minded students from all over the country.

"This is a fantastic achievement for David who passed the application process with flying colours."

He said the whole school was proud of David and his aptitude for maths.

"David is a credit to the school and department," hd said.

"He has worked exceptionally hard and achieved in every area, regardless of his hearing loss. He should be very proud of himself."

Modest David, of Heaton, said he hoped to learn from other students and was looking forward to participating in on-line programmes and weekend and holiday seminars run by the academy.

"I wanted to be a part of the group when I first heard about it and now and I am in it I can see a lot of advantages," he said.

"I don't know where my aptitude for maths comes from - certainly not my parents! - but I hope one day to have a career in information technology."

Peter Corker, of Warwick University, said David submitted an impressive application form.

Selection is by ability and applicants must show that they fall within the top five per cent academically in the country.

"It was evident that David is a fiercely independent and gifted young man who has achieved an enormous amount in the face of his disability," he said.

"We are very pleased to have David as one of our rapidly growing membership."