Students and staff at Suffolk New College in Ipswich celebrated the end of the year with a glittering red carpet awards evening.

Ipswich Star: Suffolk New College principal Viv Gillespie at the celebration event. Picture: CRAIG SHIMMONSuffolk New College principal Viv Gillespie at the celebration event. Picture: CRAIG SHIMMON (Image: Archant)

More than 200 guests joined the gathering alongside Ipswich deputy mayor and chairman of the corporation Roger Fern, with the proceedings hosted by Inspire Suffolk chief executive and former BBC radio presenter Terry Baxter.

Ipswich Star: Olivia Simmons, who won a beauty awar), with her tutor, Abigail Silburn Cooper. Picture: MARK FISHEROlivia Simmons, who won a beauty awar), with her tutor, Abigail Silburn Cooper. Picture: MARK FISHER (Image: Archant)

A series of 36 awards were handed out ranging from outstanding commitment and outstanding progress, to course-specific awards in different subjects.

Ipswich Star: Roger Fern arriving on the red carpet with Cheryl Miller from the college. Picture: CRAIG SHIMMONRoger Fern arriving on the red carpet with Cheryl Miller from the college. Picture: CRAIG SHIMMON (Image: Archant)

Principal, Viv Gillespie, said: “The evening definitely had a wow factor.

Ipswich Star: Jack Arackal (winner of IT award) with Adam Clark from Greenspark. Picture: MARK FISHERJack Arackal (winner of IT award) with Adam Clark from Greenspark. Picture: MARK FISHER (Image: Archant)

“Naturally we would like to thank all of our sponsors who consistently back the college, the parents and guardians who came along to support the award winners and all of our stakeholders.

“Finally, we would like to congratulate our prizewinners on their amazing achievements. This was the perfect way to end the year.”