SWINDON'S New College has bagged a prestigious award for its high quality of teaching.

Fast Forward Training, which is the business services and training wing of the college, was named Free2Learn Training Provider of the Year at an awards ceremony held at the De Vere Hotel.

The awards, comprising of 13 categories, were presented by television personality Tony Robinson, who was last in Swindon in the summer for The Big Dig archaeology programme.

Organised by Wiltshire's Learning and Skills Council, the awards seeks to recognise good practice in companies.

Since August 2002 staff at the college have worked to provide top-class training to the business world under the Government's pilot scheme Free2learn, which encourages bosses to implement comprehensive training packages.

Graham Taylor, principal of the college, was delighted: "We are obviously extremely pleased. We are a major provider of training in the county and work with a number of companies."

Dr Penny Hackett, executive director of the LSC, said: "It is gratifying to acknowledge and reward the achievement of businesses who spend time and effort engaging in the training and development of staff.

"We believe this will become a highlight in the business and training calendar."

Other winners included Goddard Park Primary School, which came top in both the Skills for Life and Free3learn Employer Training categories.

Nationwide, which employs more than 250 people at its offices in Pipers Way, netted the Investors in People award.