HARTLEPOOL College of Further Education has kept its Chartermark status.

The Government's standard for excellence was awarded to the college in 1998 and was valid for three years.

The college's application for reaccreditation was approved last month.

Anthony Sutcliffe, principal and chief executive of the college, said: "The college is extremely proud to have retained this prestigious award. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff."