PAUL Hebblethwaite, the North Yorkshire joiner who became the first profoundly deaf person to sail around the world, has received a top sporting achievement award. The 31-year-old, of Helperby, was given a special prize at the Yorkshire Electricity Sports Awards which honour the regions leading sports people. During the 30,000- mile BT Global Challenge yacht race, Paul needed emergency surgery when waves knocked him on to metal spikes, causing serious injury. But, after only a week's recovery, he was back on his feet.

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