A teenage rapper whose troubled early years are inspiration for his music and youth work has met Prime Minister David Cameron to have his passion recognised.

David O’Connell, 19, who raps under the name Phobea, went to 10 Downing Street as part of the Spirit of London awards on September 20.

He said: "It was unreal. It was amazing being there. Just walking into the house at first I was thinking 'Is this real or is this a prank?’ He [Mr Cameron] was actually really nice.

"My passion is music. I have always been involved in music and listening to music. Over the past few years it has got more and more serious."

Youth worker Gary Weston said: "David was 10ft tall in there. He was the catalyst for getting a studio built in the Searchlight centre about a year ago.

"That is why we nominated him. He is a rapper, producer and a really talented guy."

Mr O’Connell was brought up on the Kingsnympton estate but suffered an early blow as a five-year-old when his mother Elizabeth died.

He was in and out of hostels as a teenager and youth workers said he had had trouble in the past with family and the police.

But the promising rapper is now an apprentice at the Dickerage Road adventure playground after studying art and design at Kingston College.

He is also studying for an NVQ in youthwork and lives with his partner Sarah Fairbrass in Tolworth.

Steve Hunt, manager of Dickerage Lane, said: “He has been brilliant. His rapping career has opened up.

“He is a great kid and a great personality.”

The Spirit of London awards was developed by the Damiola Taylor Trust to promote young people.

The awards will be handed out on October 10 at the Royal Albert Hall, with judges for the achievement through music category including Leona Lewis and Lemar.

Mr O’Connell said: "I don’t dwell on my life. I don’t use it as an excuse. I use it as inspiration.

"Whatever happened to me made me stronger in order to to push for what I want in life.

"Growing up you get into stupid stuff.

"Receiving this is a massive achievement and hopefully things will open up."