overcoming dyslexia.

Sir John was given a top award by a highly-respected American school for people with reading disabilities.

He is thought to be the first person from outside the US to be honoured by The Lab School in Washington.

The private school, which has up to 250 students on roll, handed out the award on its 25th anniversary.

"It was a great honour,'' said Sir John, who also has poor eyesight and wears contact lenses.

"They could have chosen millions of other people for the honour.'' Sir John was presented his award -- a crystal vase on a stand -- during the school's special birthday banquet.

Around 1,000 people were present, including Senators and Congressmen and other VIPs.

The annual award is for outstanding achievement in overcoming a reading disability.

Sir John was picked out as a good role model for others facing similar hurdles.

Yesterday Sir John, whose two daughters are also dyslexic, spoke of his problems in coping with his handicap.

"It was a real struggle. You never really overcome it -- your have to try to compensate,'' he said. "I make no bones about my handicap. It's not something I try to hide.'' Sir John, who opened Bermuda's Reading Clinic last year, said he had received help in overcoming dyslexia.

And he admitted his success in life may stem from his attempts to compensate for his disability.

"It does force you to focus and be creative,'' he added.