MEDIA students at Darlington College of Technology have proved they are tuned into their studies after winning praise from the Royal Television Society (RTS).

Quaker Television, a football channel run by the media students for Darlington Football Club, was among programmes considered to be the best in the region.

Film director Scott Mann judged the RTS North-East competition and the showcase of talent was held at Tyneside Cinema.

Darlington College students Rebecca Campbell and Simon Weightman collected certificates on behalf of their fellow students.

QTV, the only football channel outside the Premiership, has been run by second year students since last year.

It features live interviews, outside broadcasts as well as pre-recorded studio items.

Leyanne Pennington, 17, of Newton Aycliffe, plays a starring role in Tunnel Talk's post match analysis of Darlington Football Club home games. She interviews the players as they leave the pitch and also reports on weekly training sessions.

She said: "It is real and our clients want real results and we cannot let them down. It's a great opportunity for the college. It brings the media department recognition and also allows them to use all the state of the art equipment."