STUDENT successes were celebrated when Bishop Auckland College held its annual awards night.

College principal Joanna Tait said the awards, held last week, were another highlight in an exciting 12 months for the college.

She said: "The college has had an extremely busy year.

"We have had a great Ofsted report, welcomed Princess Anne to officially open phase one of our new build, work is beginning on the second phase of the new build on the Woodhouse Close campus and we are in a partnership agreement with Sedgefield Borough Council to create a state-of-the-art work-based learning centre in Spennymoor.

"To crown all that, we are celebrating our 50th birthday."

Guest speaker Graham Leggatt- Chidgey, chief executive of Butterwick Hospice and vicechairman of the college's corporate board, congratulated students on their achievements.

Terry Watson, factory manager, of Wienerberger Brickworks, in Eldon, presented the apprentice awards.

The winners and reasons for nomination were: ● Apprentice of the year - David Bell, of West Auckland. A Patterson Installations, where he is serving a joinery apprenticeship, described him as a keen youngster who carries out his duties to a high standard.

● Commitment to study - Yannick Ayemou, of Crook. When Yannick started the college in May last year, he did not speak English, but he has worked hard in the catering department and learning English.

● Commitment to study - David Gibbon, of Crook. A computing student, who is committed to learning, strives to achieve and completes to a high standard.

● Outstanding academic achievement - Lindsey Denham, of Shildon. A young parent who balances the demands of parenthood with the demands of her course, achieving distinction grade in her first year of studying sport.

● Group award - Intermediate construction award in bricklaying.

David Appleton, Mark Easton, Martin Greensmith, Dylan Hallimond, Michael Hodges, Ben Lambert, Sam Patterson, James Snowdon, Scott Stokoe, Jonathan Wallace, Robert Weatherstone, Jonathan Whitworth and Gavin Wilson showed commitment, excellent attendance, pride and passion to succeed.

● Pre 16 award - Amie Slater, of Spennymoor. Hairdressing student Amie has shown great potential.

● Vi Handley award for caring and consideration of others - Dede Lyle, of Newton Aycliffe.

The multimedia student is the primary carer in her family and played a major role in a domestic violence project with Disc.

● Volunteering award - Tessa Peacock, of Shildon. She has been involved with the Millennium Volunteers, Darlington YMCA, since 2006 and volunteering for community and fundraising activities while studying an early childhood course.

● Peer group award - Young Carers' Project member Dede Lyle, Kirsty Hodgson, Jodi McMaster and Ian Sanderson.