HUNDREDS of students gathered to celebrate a year of hardwork and dedication at a special awards ceremony.

Suffolk New College welcomed 900 students to the End of Year Celebration 2012 earlier this week, an event awarded to students for their hard work in their respective fields.

Two awards were sponsored by the Ipswich Star, one awarding Simone Pearl as most outstanding in media on a level two diploma. The second award went to Leanne Walsworth of the sixth form centre.

Countless generous business representatives donated prizes to the award winners who were nominated by their tutors for their exceptional work. The prizes ranged from hairdressing equipment and products, to gift vouchers and cash prizes.

Professor Dave Muller, principal of the college, said: “As a provider of high quality further education, all of us at the college are justifiably proud of our students.“

The occasion saw guest speakers Kieran Gellear, a successful recording artist, and Karen Finch, managing director of The Hearing Care Centre, take to the stage.

n Have you won a special award? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.