A teenager who is deaf and going blind has been honoured for leaping from a plane at 13,000ft.

Once-healthy Nicola Henderson, 17, has been forced to cope with the devastating effects of Usher syndrome.

Despite losing her hearing and almost all her vision, Ms Henderson has battled to lead a normal life.

She drew the admiration of veteran skydivers when she hurled herself out of the plane to tumble through the air at 120mph.

Ms Henderson is to receive the British Parachute Association's (BPA) award for outstanding courage, which is rarely given out.

She was given intensive training before being strapped to an instructor for her tandem flight.

Ms Henderson is determined not to let the syndrome ruin her life and wanted to show herself as a positive role model for deaf-blind people, and raise money for the charity Sense.

She completed the jump at the Peterlee Parachute Centre, in County Durham.

Ms Henderson, of Blyth, Northumberland, said yesterday: "I could not wait to dive out of the plane. I love a challenge and I wanted to show everyone that just because I have Usher it does not mean I do not have a life."

Lofty Thomas, of the British Parachute Association, said: "We think Nicola is one hell of a woman - she is amazing.

"No one deserves the BPA bravery award more than her. She has earned it by showing enormous courage."