Student celebration

Thurrock and Basildon College held their annual awards ceremony at the Woodview Campus in Grays.

Of the college's 7,000 students just 20 were shortlisted for the awards.

Categories included Student of the Year Awards for Community Studies, Technology, Franchise and Significant Contribution to Student Life.

Perry Glading, managing director at the Port of Tilbury, was guest speaker heaping praise on the college for its successful learning and skills partnership with employers.

Twins Darren and Michael Storr, 18, of Chaucer Close, Tilbury, were also among those receiving accolades.

Darren, who is currently doing a catering and hospitality course, took home the Significant Contribution to Student Life award.

He said: "To be honest I owe it all to the tutors and staff for getting me the work placements.

"It's hands on here and you're in control of your own work."

Sports development and fitness student Michael, who left the college last year, won the Community Award.

He said: "The two years I was here were excellent and I'd like to thank the tutors, especially Verona Elder, for all her support."

GNVQ Health and Social Care and BTEC Public Services student Joanne Beer, 26 of Salesbury Drive, Billericay, too the overall award for Student of the Year.

Access to Higher Education student Julie Atkins, 42, of Fremnells, Basildon was runner up.

Principal Denise Fielding paid tribute to the students hard work and dedication.

She said: "I'm absolutely thrilled at the success this year and in particular when many students are juggling work, home and college."

Mrs Fielding also commented on the college's recent standing in the school and college performance tables where Thurrock and Basildon College has risen significantly during 2006 and 2007.

Overall the college achieved increased achievement rates of 23 per cent for 16 to 18-year-olds and 11 per cent for adults.

She added: "We are delighted with the improvements made so far in student achievement and are committed to building on this success to do even better in 2007 and 2008.

"This is fantastic news for further education and local people."

Community Studies - Student of the Year: Natalie Vice.

Creative & Cultural Industries - Student of the Year: Naomi Roberton.

Service Industries - Student of the Year: Joanne Beer.

Technology - Student of the Year: Diane Kelly.

Pre-16 Award (In Memory of Anne Winslow)- Student of the Year: Lee Pleasance.

Learning Development Award - Student of the Year: Julie Atkins.

TUC Centre - Student of the Year: Diane Royle.

Canvey Learning Centre - Student of the Year: Donna Robinson.

Eastgate Learning Centre - Student of the Year: Ria Atkins.

Lakeside Training Centre - Student of the Year: Michael Devereux.

Franchise Award- Student of the Year: Amy Glozier.

Aim High Award - Student of the Year (Supported by the University of East London): Jessica Towlson.

Higher Education- Student of the Year (Supported by Anglia Ruskin University): Tracy Parrish.

Higher Level Learning Skills - Student of the Year (Supported by the Institute of Management): Ean Daniel.

Skills & Enterprise - Student of the Year: Jamie Franklin.

Thames Gateway South Essex Award - Student of the Year: Chris Ray.

National/ Open College Network Award- Student of the Year: Nicola Stokes.

Community Award - Student of the Year: Michael Storr.

Significant Contribution to Student Life at the College (The John Spencer Plate) - Student of the Year: Darren Storr.

Work Based Learning - Student of the Year: Rhea Leahy.

Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) - Student of the Year: James White and Eileen Spalding.

Employer of the Year: Jeff Galvin- Chef Patron of Galvin's Bistro Deluxe.