STUDENTS gathered last night to be rewarded for their outstanding achievements at a North-East college.

Darlington College of Technology held its annual awards night in front of a packed audience, who watched students collect trophies and certificates for their academic performance.

The evening, held at the town's Civic Theatre, saw awards given for high achievement in vocational qualifications such as construction, sport, media, beauty and engineering.

Awards were also given to people who excelled after overcoming obstacles, such as Paul Des-Forges, 46, who returned to education after a 30-year break, and Chinese student Wai Ching Hon, who beat the language barrier to learn English.

Work done throughout the year was showcased, and the audience was treated to a fashion show by fashion and design students - even models' hair and make-up were done by college stylists.

Students from the college's campus in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, were also included in the honours.

The ceremony was sponsored by Shepherd Construction, the company behind the new £34.5m college in the town's Haughton Road.

* A full list of winners from the ceremony will be printed in The Northern Echo tomorrow.