DOZENS of college students are celebrating after their contribution to school and community life was rewarded.

Pupils at Northallerton College received a host of accolades for their voluntary work and sporting achievements.

Top honours went to Leigh Garside, 18, of Northallerton, and Lawrence Rab, 18, of Romanby, who both collected the college's coveted Cuthbert Cross for their involvement in school life and voluntary work.

The scheme, set up more than 90 years ago, marks links between the former grammar school and Durham Cathedral going back to the 14th Century.

Awards are given for loyalty, chivalry and enhancing the college's reputation.

Collecting his cross, Lawrence said: "I'm quite shocked, but very happy. It's a great honour to receive such an award."

Hosting the ceremony joint head of sixth-form Bronia Harris said: "We have an extraordinary number of students who willingly give up their own time to help others.

"Twenty-one of our pupils have contributed more than 3,700 hours of voluntary work through the Millennium Volunteer scheme, which is an amazing commitment."

The ceremony also highlighted those who had achieved at the highest level of sport.

Jennifer Crewsden, 17, of Maunby, won the gold medal in the Hambleton and Richmond gymnastic, combined floor and vault competition.

A further gold was achieved by Jennifer Crewsden and Ruth Cook, 16, of Thirsk, for their sports acrobatic display.

In the area swimming competition, the girls' team of Adele Carmichael, 18, Jessie Roberts, 17, Emily Shaw, 17 and Jennifer Crewsden, 17, again took gold.

Not to be outdone, the boys' team of Ollie Wray, 17, Shaun Lane, 17, and Ralph Stokeld, 18, also went away with the gold.

The David Dick football award, which is given in memory of a former teacher, was presented to 18-year-old James Bell, of Northallerton.

Announcing the award, joint head of PE Ruth Curtis said: "James is the most outstanding football talent our school has ever seen."

Three sporting awards in memory of former student Ben Hyde, one of six military policemen killed in Iraq in June 2003, were presented to Jennifer Crewsden, Katie Roberts, 17, of Northallerton and David Foster, 17, of Knayton, for showing the most commitment and enthusiasm in sport.