STUDENTS attending Darlington College of Technology have struck gold, according to a survey of young people.

An assessment of key areas of student life by a panel of young people has landed the college a coveted accolade.

The Young People's Charter Award, organised by Connexions Tees Valley, considered whether colleges in the area respected and involved young people, were accessible, offered diversity and a safe place to study.

Panellists looked at anonymous submissions from 25 of the region's colleges and Darlington College was awarded gold status.

Two students - Libby Blythe, of Chilton, and Simon Weightman, of Darlington - were asked to train as assessors and sit on the judging panel.

Libby said: "It was great experience for us. We looked at the evidence not knowing which college it was from and we were delighted when Darlington was awarded the gold."

The college's student support manager, Jane Brown, said: "This award means a great deal to us as it is designed and managed by students from across the Tees Valley. It gives us a real insight into the quality of services we provide for students and we couldn't ask for a better vote of confidence than achieving gold."