STUDENTS were celebrated at a special further education awards ceremony.

Warwickshire College Group students in Evesham, Pershore and Malvern Hills were awarded prices for their achievements during the ceremony at Pershore College.

Angela Joyce, group principal and chief executive of WCG gave out awards for each subject at each college for outstanding achievement, commitment to learning and student of the year, before an overall student of the year for each college was announced.

Evesham College Student of the Year was Matteo Bonanno, a level 3 motor vehicle student, he said: “I’m really happy and proud of myself but I didn’t expect to win.

"When I started the course I wasn’t 100% sure that it was right for me, but I stuck with it and it’s turned out so well for me.

"I did work experience as part of my course and have now got a job with that company as a technician - I finished college on Friday and started work on Monday.”

Pershore College student of the year was Mollie-Anne Mayneord, a Level 3 animal management student.

As well as excelling in her studies, she shared her personal story as part of events to support Mental Health Awareness Week, creating a video about her personal experience with an eating disorder and her recovery.

As well as presenting to her own tutor group, Mollie’s video was shown at students tutorials throughout the week at all seven of WCG’s colleges.

She said: “I was not expecting this award at all - I’m really happy.

"I’ve got another year of college but after that I’d like to go into animal therapy which would tie in everything together. It was something that people really wanted in the hospital as it’s amazingly therapeutic so it’s definitely something I would like to pursue.”