Since suffering his horrific injury in a rugby match nearly two years ago, teenager Nathan Cubitt has shown fortitude, courage and determination far beyond what you would normally expect from someone so young.

The way in which this brave young man, supported by his family, has coped with the life-transforming injury is an inspiration to us all. It is all the more appalling, then, that Nathan now finds himself in his current predicament.

He and his family have forked out thousands of pounds from their own savings for a longed-for, dream holiday in Florida. But that once-in-a-lifetime trip is now in jeopardy, simply because insurance companies refuse to provide cover for him. If anyone deserves a holiday, it is Nathan and his devoted family.

Yes, insurers have to weigh up risks, but as they tick and cross boxes on their criteria paperwork, they must look beyond red tape and keep in touch with reality. The Cubitt family has put everything in place, with meticulous planning, to ensure any potential risk to Nathan while on holiday is minimised. That plan even includes a nurse accompanying the party. Keighley MP Kris Hopkins is raising the issue with insurance industry bosses as a matter of urgency, and his intervention is welcome.

Let us hope common sense prevails.

Students across Keighley district have proved once again that they are a class act. Against a national backdrop of falling GCSE grades, our young guns bucked the trend – and in some style.

Schools chalked up best-ever sets of results, and they can be justifiably proud of their achievements. And those GCSE successes followed hot on the heels of impressive A-Level statistics. Some people are very quick to pour cold water on exam performances, claiming standards are not what they were.

But pupils do not have it easy in the jobs market. Massive congratulations are due to them, their parents and teaching staff. We wish all the young people the very best for the future.