THE achievements of students at South Worcestershire College have been celebrated at an awards evening.

The college, which has a campus in Evesham and one in Malvern, marked the success of the students throughout the past year and welcomed familiar faces to speak at the event.

One student from each course was nominated to receive an award by their course manager and they recognised the achievement, outstanding performance, effort, endeavour and attendance.

This year for the first time, there was a McDonald Award for Mechanical Engineering.

The trophy was manufactured by ROTEC Engineering and the winning student, Tom Parry, was a student at the ROTEC Engineering Academy on Vale Park, Evesham.

This award was named in honour of the late councillor Tom McDonald who served on Wychavon District Council and championed regeneration in this area, especially in the field of engineering.

And representatives from the McDonald family made the presentation to a delighted Mr Parry.

Other winners included Jack Piercy of Peopleton, a previous student of Pershore High School, who won both the Tim Malin Award for Entrepreneurship and also the Principal’s Award.

Mr Piercy was recognised for his outstanding achievement and also his impressive work placement performance.

The winner of the Apprentice of the Year Award was Todd Rimell of Broadway, a previous student of Prince Henry’s High School, who has earned the admiration and respect of his employers Discover Travel & Tours of Worcester.

One of the highlights of the evening was an inspiring talk from Alice Wigley, who works in Malvern, who was herself a previous winner of the Apprenticeship of the Year Award.

Viv Gillespie, college principal, said: "We are very proud of the achievements and progression of our students.

"The great strengths of our College are the strong employability skills provided and the excellent links with employers; combining this with the success our students and we have a winning formula."

The college still has some places left on full-time courses and has vacancies with local employers for apprenticeship positions.

For more information call 01386 712600 or visit sworcs.ac.uk .