BRITAIN’S Got Talent winner Lee Ridley has congratulated a North-East charity on the work they do for young disabled people in a surprise video message.

Attendees at the recent Smile For Life annual ball were shown a video from the Ridley, the charity’s patron, apologising for not being able to attend the celebration.

Ridley, originally from Consett, also known as The Lost Voice Guy, has cerebral palsy and communicates through an electronic device.

In his message he said: “Hello you lovely people at Smile For Life. Sorry I couldn’t be there tonight, at the ball. I won some sort of talent show recently so I’m pretty busy at the moment.

“I just wanted to thank you for supporting such an amazing charity. Smile For Life has done some fantastic work this year and I am proud to be its patron.”

He has been working closely with Smile For Life for three years to help disabled and disadvantaged young people in the region live happier lives.

The ball was held at the Novotel at Newcastle Airport on Friday.

The 37-year-old said: “It is incredibly important that young disabled people get all the help they need in life to succeed and Smile For Life is at the heart of that. I congratulate them on all their achievements so far.

“I hope you have a fantastic time at the ball and don’t get so drunk that you end up walking like myself.”