Student David Hill has spent the best part of two decades adapting to life with just one hand.

Born without a left arm below the elbow, the 21-year-old has never let his disability get in the way of his dreams - and is hoping to swim for Great Britain at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

But when he started a carpentry course at the City of Bath College, David excelled himself.

He has now created his own ingenious tools to fit to his prosthetic arm so that his disability does not set him back in the workshop.

His natural carpentry talent has meant that he is already effectively top of his class.

David, who lives in Bath, said: "I wanted to study carpentry as I have a passion for being creative with wood and it's also a great challenge.

"My grandad was a woodwork enthusiast and I used to love being in the workshop environment watching him design and make.

"Throughout my life, if someone said I couldn't do something, the desire would grow to do it and I'd take on the challenge."

He is studying for a carpentry and joinery Level 1 diploma and has used his own initiative to adapt his tools.

He said: "I've had to adapt all my life, and this was no different.

"I've made a series of adaptations to the tools we use so that I can have the control I need to complete a piece of work.

"I recently made my own saw guide which has been so useful."

David began swimming as a young boy near his family home in Exmouth in Devon and soon had his talent spotted when he joined a local club.

He started taking part in national competitions and then, at the age of 15, became the youngest British competitor at the Athens Paralympic Games in 2004, reaching the finals of the 100 metres backstroke.

He said: "I only really went to Athens for the experience and to be around the Team GB squad so it was a massive shock when I made it to the finals.

"It was an amazing experience."

He then went on to win bronze at the World Championships in South Africa in 2006 and has also competed at competitions in Brazil and Iceland.

Unfortunately, he just missed out on qualifying for the Beijing Paralympics in 2008 but is now focused on London 2012, training at the University of Bath.

"It's not going to be easy, athletes just seem to get better and faster all the time, but I'll be giving it my best shot."

Despite his intensive swimming training, he is working hard on his carpentry course and even hopes to start his own business one day.

Carpentry and joinery lecturer Mike Withers praised David's dedication and talent in the classroom.

He said: "David is inspirational.

"I've never taught anyone with a disability like his and he has been incredible.

"His work is exceptional."