A BROMSGROVE refugee, who was airlifted to safety to escape death by the Taliban, has won a Student of the Year award.

Parwiz Amiri was given his English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) prize by the Heart of Worcestershire College at a recent awards ceremony.

Parwiz, aged 34, served as a qualified nurse practitioner for the British Army in Afghanistan for 13 years but was forced to flee for his life when the Taliban took over Kabul.

Two years ago, he was part of the dramatic scenes at the capital’s airport.

As he’s settled in Bromsgrove with his family, he’s been supported by Bromsgrove & Redditch Welcome Refugees (BRWR), which has provided friendship and both practical and financial support.

The college praised Parwiz’s dedication and commitment to improving his English, and the quality of his work.

A spokesperson for HoW college said: “He’s a popular member of the group with a ready smile and a cheery word for everyone.

“Extremely conscientious and keen to learn, with a great sense of humour, and a complete asset of the group, Parwiz is a worthy recipient of this award.”

Parwiz said: “I’m very happy about this award.

“I worked very hard and the teacher a lot of helped me - she’s very kind and I really appreciate it, always encouragement.”

Parwiz lives with his wife Fawzia, also a trained nurse, and six-year-old daughter Behishta.

He’s currently employed at a Bromsgrove care home but hopes to work as a hospital nurse once he’s passed English language examinations.