MORE than 50 awards were handed to top performing students at an annual prize-giving event at Otley College.

MORE than 50 awards were handed to top performing students at an annual prize-giving event at Otley College.

In total 51 awards were given to leading students who all received trophies and a £25 gift voucher, in front of a selection of sponsors, invited guests, parents and staff.

The winner of the further education for everyone student of the year went to Colchester- based Sophie Harrigan who originally started taking A-levels at school but did not enjoy the experience.

She switched to a vocational course in animal studies at Otley and has received distinctions in every piece of course work that she has taken on her national diploma course, recently managing to gain a place at the Royal Veterinary College in London.

Section leader for Animal Studies, Rob Bamford said: “This is wonderful news for Sophie and a testament to the quality of training that she has received from our staff.”

Other winners included Jessie O Reilly, a high achieving ballet dancer in her spare time, who won best painting and decorating student.

Meanwhile Kurt Robinson, who has just graduated from the Ipswich Town Football academy and received a one year professional contract, received an award for his 'exceeding expectations, commitment and motivation' in achieving a work-based learning qualification.

College spokesman, John Nice, said, “Our prize-giving ceremony is a celebration of student achievement and is probably the most fulfilling event in the college calendar for both students and staff.”

“We would like to congratulate Sophie for winning our student of the year award along with all of our winners who are based across the region.”

Have you won a prize? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk