An action-packed disabled actor turned entrepreneur from Berkshire has won the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs 2009, run by Leonard Cheshire Disability.

John Pickup, 40, of Newbury, began Amputees in Action, a company specialising in supplying amputee extras and stuntmen for Hollywood films, TV and for armed forces casualty training, in 2004.

The firm's artistes have featured in a number of big-screen adventures including Gladiator, 28 Weeks Later, Band of Brothers and Saving Private Ryan, as well as popular TV shows such as Doctor Who.

John was presented with a cheque for £50,000 by easyJet entrepreneur Stelios Haji-Ioannou at the Growing Business Awards in London last night.

The winner said: "It's a great honour to have won this fantastic award and to have Amputees in Action recognised in this way.

"£50,000 will mean we can invest in a project to work with the Stunt Register and Actors Equity to develop a competency award system, similar to NVQs, that would enable amputees to perform stunts.

"We have held many workshops for amputees in acting and basic stunt skills. They give our artists more confidence but these are not yet recognised qualifications - we would like to change that.

"For the business to grow, it is all about the backing not only of our clients but the trust and support of professional organisations who represent them.

"I believe that a positive approach is the way to overcome the fear, prejudice and misconception that often stands in the way of disabled people."

Sir Stelios said: "I am passionate about encouraging the enterprising spirit and working with Leonard Cheshire Disability to set up the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs.

"I would like to warmly congratulate John. He runs a successful business and displays the drive, creativity and determination to reach the top and really fly. The £50,000 prize will help to ensure that Amputees in Action has a great platform for growth.

"With around 50% of disabled adults out of work, removing the barriers disabled people face in business is essential.

"Self-employment is a more viable option for many disabled people as it offers flexibility and helps bypass much of the prejudice that unfortunately still exists amongst employers."

Sophie Down, corporate partnerships officer for Leonard Cheshire Disability, said: "Disabled people in business experience disadvantage and discrimination every day, largely through ignorance, and this needs to change.

"Our partnership with Sir Stelios is helping the charity highlight the barriers disabled people face in the workplace and recognise the outstanding achievement of disabled entrepreneurs.

"Leonard Cheshire Disability leads the way with innovative initiatives and campaigns that challenge people to change the way they see disability, and this award plays a big part in this."

Amputees in Action is an agency for amputee extras, as well as stuntmen and women, for film, TV and casualty simulations. For more information go to www.amputeesinaction.co.uk

Leonard Cheshire Disability exists to change attitudes to disability and to serve disabled people around the world. The charity's main activity in the UK is the provision of services in support of disabled people. For further information, visit www.lcdisability.org.