Incredible video footage shows a journalism student gripping a pen with his teeth to pass a writing exam.

Alex McKenzie, an aspiring sports reporter, suffers from arthrogryposis, which has left his joints in fixed positions that he is unable to bend or flex.

He feared he would never be able to learn shorthand - the art of quick note-taking, and considered to be a crucial skill for reporters.

But Mr McKenzie, a final year student at Nottingham Trent University, failed to let his condition hold him back in his pursuit of a glittering career.

The 23-year-old first learned to hold a pen in his mouth at primary school, by gripping it with his molars.

And the technique has now helped Mr McKenzie, originally from Nottingham, obtain his 60 words per minute shorthand qualification.

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Alex McKenzie, an aspiring sports reporter, suffers from arthrogryposis, which has left his joints in fixed positions that he is unable to bend or flex

Mr McKenzie, who is registered disabled, said: 'My tutors said they have never seen anyone do shorthand this way before.

'When we first began learning shorthand, I genuinely didn’t believe I would pass any of the speeds.

'To now have the 60 words per minute certificate is great and I felt relieved when I found out.'

He added: 'I learned this technique at a very young age so I can't actually remember the time it was suggested to me to try to write this way.

'It’s just something I’ve always remembered doing and it feels natural to me.'

Mr McKenzie knew that shorthand exams were an essential part of the journalism course when he applied for university.

The 23-year-old feared he would never be able to learn shorthand - the art of quick note-taking, considered one of the most crucial skills needed by a reporter

But Mr McKenzie, a final year student at Nottingham Trent University, failed to let his condition hold him back in his pursuit of a glittering career

And the technique has now helped Mr McKenzie, originally from Nottingham, obtain his 60 words per minute shorthand qualification

Many publications only employ journalists who have a shorthand qualification – an industry recognised accreditation.

It is a fundamental skill for journalists who need quick and accurate recordings of interviews, breaking news and court and council proceedings.

Audio recording is not generally allowed in court and accurate shorthand notes can be used as evidence, if the accuracy of a report is disputed.

WHAT IS ARTHROGRYPOSIS? Arthrogryposis is an umbrella term used to describe more than 300 conditions that cause curved joints. Some estimate that three in 1,000 people are affected somehow. The cause is believed to be down to the development of connective tissues in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. In AMC, this tissue fuses a joint in place. This can severely restrict movement in the areas affected, which leads to the tendons around the affected joint being unable to stretch to their normal length, according to The Arthrogryposis Group. Advertisement

Mr McKenzie was initially apprehensive about attending university, as shorthand is a notoriously difficult skill to learn.

However, it is now something he is progressing with by attending classes four times a week and practicing regularly at home.

Mr McKenzie is now focusing on taking his 80 words per minute shorthand exam.

He said: 'I hope this inspires other people to see that they can achieve anything they want to and that they shouldn’t let anything hold them back.

'Everyone at NTU have been really supportive and it has meant that I can make the most of my university experience and I know there is help available if I need it.'

Carole Fleming, director of the Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism at NTU, praised Mr McKenzie's dedication to his career.

She said: 'Journalism is a profession that draws on a wide range of different people to reflect the society we live in.

'Alex has proved that with support and encouragement, it’s a profession that’s open to everyone who has determination and is willing to work hard.

'We are very proud of his achievement and sure he will go on to have a great career in journalism.'