STEPHEN Green has always refused to let Down's syndrome get in the way of his dreams.
Now, that determination has seen him realise his latest ambition – to become a parish councillor for his village.
Mr Green, 47, of Cedarland Crescent, Nuthall, previously made the headlines for learning to read music and performing his first piano recital in Kimberley.
He was elected as member of Nuthall Parish Council following a by-election held last week after his predecessor, Councillor Paul Simpson, stepped down.
It was the second time Mr Green had stood for election on to the council, having previously done so about eight years ago.
He was alerted about the possibility of the role by his father.
It was an opportunity which Mr Green relished.
He said: "I want to help other people in the community I've grown up and lived in all my life.
"I stood before at the election so I'm very pleased to be councillor now.
"There will be some challenges but I've got a good support network around me."
His father, Grenville Green, who is also Stephen's carer, said he believed his son could be one of the first people with Down's syndrome in the country to become a parish councillor.
He put his name forward for the East Ward position on the parish council last week.
The election was due to take place last Thursday but, as nobody else stood against him, he was declared councillor on Friday.
His father said: "It's a big achievement for Stephen.
"I'm ecstatic; he lost his mum when he was 28. It's not been an easy ride.
"I got so much enjoyment out of his achievements. He was willing to fight this election. I was a bit disappointed nobody put up, to be honest, because it would have proved a point.
"He's got a lot to offer Nuthall; he can teach people manners and how to behave in public."
Liz Silver, of the Notts Disabled People's Movement, said: "It's great news, I hope he enjoys it.
"I think generally disabled people do have concerns about discrimination and stereotyping; it affects some people more than others."
