A glittering awards ceremony was hosted for Kirklees College students chosen for their exceptional achievements.

Hosted by Huddersfield Town’s commercial director Sean Jarvis, the annual COLS (College Outstanding Learner Success) awards took place at the Huddersfield Centre.

Students attending the awards were cheered on by family, friends and tutors in the audience.

The 39 winners had all been nominated by their tutors, and were handed prizes for either Exceptional Achievement or Major Progress in each curriculum area.

Prizes were also given for best full-time learner, part-time learner and apprentice of the year.

Principal Peter McCann told students: “Your tutors saw something in you – your determination, your ability, your achievement, your improvement, your teamwork or your kindness to others that meant you stood out from your peers.

“You should all be very proud of this recognition of you as a person, your achievement and your contribution to college.”

The full-time learner of the year award was shared by Kirsten Lloyd and Amelia Grey.

Kirklees College principal Peter McCann

Kirsten, 24, from Birstall, studied Access to Higher Education at Kirklees College and is now doing a BSc biomedical science at Leeds Beckett University.

Tutor Marie Suggitt, who nominated Kirsten, said she was inspired to train to be a nurse after her son Jack was born prematurely.

Marie said: “Kirsten is a real success story of self-belief, determination and hard work.

“She is to be commended for her amazing progress made not only as a student at Kirklees College but as a champion for all Access to HE students who represent and area of widening participation.”

IT apprentice Luke Warby, 21, from Slaithwaite, was nominated for apprentice of the year by tutor Yousaf Darr for inspiring other young people to do an apprenticeship.

He said: “Luke’s work is of a very high standard.

“In class he shares his experiences from work and unselfishly supports students that need guidance.”