THE outstanding success and achievements of students at Warrington & Vale Royal College has been recognised at the college’s annual further education awards ceremony.

Friends, family, staff and fellow students gathered at St Elphin’s Church, on Tuesday, June 19 to congratulate those who have gone above and beyond both inside and outside of college.

The ceremony was opened by Reverend Stewart McTaggart, before principal and chief executive Nichola Newton shared the college’s recent achievements and accolades with guests, which included deputy mayor of Warrington, Cllr Wendy Johnson.

Thirty three awards were handed out on the night, including outstanding achievement awards, outstanding apprenticeship awards, work placement awards and a series of special awards.

The celebration was sponsored by Persimmon Homes, a company which has helped construction students over recent years, having donated a large quantity of materials to the college.

Among the winners was level 3 IT student Stephen Tuke, 20, who received the prestigious Phil Callaghan memorial award.

This award recognises exceptional performance in information technology and is presented each academic year to a student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement.

Health and social care learner Stuart Johnson, 22, from Widnes, was presented with the Nathan Taylor memorial award, an accolade that celebrates the achievement of a student who has clearly demonstrated progression and excellence in vocational studies and who has made considerable achievements during their time at college.

Nineteen-year-old Anthony Greer, from Great Sankey is a level three carpentry and joinery student and was awarded the Elliott Award for progress in construction and technology, whilst applied science student Louise Skye Vass, 17, from Latchford received the prestigious Hilary Tucker award in recognition of her exceptional progress, complete with a £200 cheque to aid her future studies.

The overall outstanding student of the year award was presented to level two health and social care student Ceren Marsh, while former software developer apprentice Ryan Kenny was named outstanding apprentice of the year.

Afthkar Quayyum, deputy chair of governors, also addressed the ceremony, with applied science student Lucy Ford delivering the student vote of thanks.

Also in attendance was Colin Maddison, manufacturing engineering manager at Pladis McVities, who presented the overall winner of outstanding work placement performance award to electrical installation student Jay Speakman.