Blind student 'amazed' with Harry

Prince Harry has touched the heart of an outstanding Bahamian blind student who described the royal as "amazing".

Harry left a lasting impression on Anna Albury, 2011 Primary School Student of the Year, who gave a rally-rousing speech at a national youth event attend by the prince.

The schoolgirl was befriended by Harry who chatted and joked with her as they sat together in Bahamas' national stadium surrounded by thousands of schoolchildren.

In front of the packed stands seating 11,000 students, she described the visiting royal as "our Prince Harry" and said having him in their Caribbean homeland allowed the nation to "showcase our unique, vibrant culture through expressions of music, dance and drama".

Anna, 12, used a Braille computer which raises and lowers dots on a keyboard to form letters, to read her speech.

She told the youngsters: "Youth of Bahamas, although I'm blind I do not accept this as a disadvantage."

Anna, who lives on the island of Abaco, was named student of the year for her academic achievements in the face of her disability.

The youngster added: "My fellow youth, I encourage you to be committed to pursuing your dreams even though you may face struggles or difficulties."

After the royal left she said: "Oh my gosh, it was amazing to meet Prince Harry. I was so excited and I just loved it and can't wait to tell my family about it.

"He was very friendly and he was asking me about my speech, how old I was and where I was from. He asked me if I had been blind since birth."