SWINDON COLLEGE AWARDS: EXCEPTIONAL students were honoured at Swindon College's annual awards.

People studying for every type of qualification ranging from A/S levels, HNDs, and Access courses to degrees were recognised for their achievements.

Awards were given to 120 students for every subject area, including floral art, computing, catering and science.

The ceremony was opened by the college's chair of governors followed by an address by Principal Mike Hopkins.

Mr Hopkins said: "It is a great event and one of the most important in the college diary.

"It is acknowledging students' achievements, many of whom have not achieved anything in education until they came to college.

"I offer my congratulations to all our award winners, as well as to the staff with whom they have worked.

"The ceremony also helps promote the college to the wider community."

Guest speaker Dr Penny Hackett, the executive director of Learning and Skills Council Wiltshire and Swindon, presented the awards.

She said: "I am delighted to present the awards and celebrate the hard work of everyone here.

"We need to encourage more people to participate in education and training."

The college is a major provider of post-16 vocational education and is also increasing the number of higher education courses through partnerships with the universities of Oxford Brookes, Bath and Cranfield.

It currently operates from two sites at Regent Circus and North Star with eight learning centres in Swindon and surrounding towns but work on a new single campus will begin in 2003.

A range of community programmes takes place in schools and other locations.