A Bradford youth who has spent his life overcoming major disabilities is appealing to employers for a chance to work.

Stephen Haigh, 19, is desperate for employment after leaving Thorn Park School for the Deaf, where he had been a pupil since he was 18 months old.

The Bradford City fan, pictured, was born profoundly deaf and with a congenital condition which means his arms are very short. He also has problems with vision and balance, but despite his difficulties teachers say he has progressed well.

In 1990 the T&A launched a fundraising appeal for Stephen, of Allerton, to help him lead as normal life as possible. Money raised paid for a special communication machine and an adapted bicycle.

Now over a decade later and with a range of work experience behind him, a GCSE in art and his silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, he wants to prove he is capable of holding down a job and earning his own money.

However, his mum, Kathleen Smith, 42, is heartbroken employers in the city don't want to give her son a chance.

"We have been trying since Christmas to get him a job but despite ringing round and sending applications off, he has not even got to the interview stage," she said.

Stephen says he would like to work in an internal post room or in packing - he has experience of working for the Post Office, school caretakers and also for Remploy.

"All he wants is for someone to give him a chance and not write him off at 19," said Kathleen.

"He is very worried about his future. He has been at Thorn Park School all these years, it was his life. Now he does not know what is going to happen."

Deputy head at Thorn Park School, Christine Roche, said Stephen, of Kildare Crescent, was a wonderful person with great determination. "He is so caring and very positive, he has shown persistence all his life," she said. "He is extremely conscientious and hard working and willing to try anything.

"People keep telling him to take what benefits he can and stay at home but he is desperate to work.

He is feeling very depressed at the moment because it is getting him down. It is heartbreaking for him and his mum."