STUDENTS have been recognised by a college for their hard work and achievements at an awards ceremony.

More than 160 students stepped up to receive awards at the event hosted by Redcar and Cleveland College.

Nicola Hansford gained an access certificate in nursing studies, despite having to cope with the news that her father had been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Nicola has now gained a place on a BSC occupational therapy course at university.

Student Graham Harland attended adult learning workshops to improve his standards of literacy, to help him achieve his NVQ in hairdressing - while working in a salon and a care home.

Redcar Plumbing has taken on apprentice George Ewart, who completed his NVQ Level 2 in plumbing at the college and finished runner-up in the Wilkinson Shield competition.

Students Rosstam Asadi and Andrew Tunnacliffe achieved double distinctions in the BTEC national certificate in engineering - the highest possible category awarded by the organisation.

Both have now gone on to study for a degree in civil engineering at Leeds Metropolitan University.

David King, who completed an NVQ Level 3 in wood occupations, won this year's national Skillbuild competition, which is open to carpentry and joinery apprentices and trainees across the country.