A blind student who left the ‘hustle and bustle’ of London to attend a specialist college is flourishing in his new environment.

Yash Parekh, 17, was born blind as a premature baby and relies on braille for all his learning and other aspects of his life.

He grew up in Harrow but has since moved to The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) in Hereford.

Here, as well as “hearing fewer sirens”, he receives specialist teaching and support, with a particular focus on mobility.

He said: “I think I learnt a bit slower in London; I’m developing my mobility skills quicker at the college.

“At home I am confident with the trains and buses, so long as I am with my parents, or when I was with a teacher, but I haven’t learnt those things on my own yet.

“I am looking forward to learning to travel independently, with help from the staff at RNC, and I’m determined to use transport on my own in London eventually.”

Yash intends to return to Harrow upon completion of his studies where he hopes to work in the music or charity sectors, helping others with visual impairments.

He wants to have independence in the capital, the place he still calls home, but appreciates that it takes time to develop the necessary skills and confidence to do so.