Awards honour for top students

TOP class . . . Pictured are winners from the Oldham College’s annual prize night

INSPIRATIONAL students and their achievements were celebrated at Oldham College’s annual prize night.

Former MP Lord Davies of Oldham was guest speaker at the the Oscar-style ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Oldham West and Royton MP Phil Woolas and Charlie Parker, chief executive of Oldham Council, were also among the 800 guests who saw awards, prizes and trophies handed out to around 200 students.

The glittering event celebrated the college’s top young professionals who are heading towards careers in areas such as accounting, law, dance, art and design, health studies, construction, hairdressing, beauty therapy and make-up for the arts.

The achievements of students on Skills for Life courses were also honoured.

Trophies handed out included the Oldham College Apprentice of the Year, The Shield for Creative Craft Studies, The Centre of Vocational Excellence Award and the new University Centre Oldham Award for Achievement.

Performing arts students also showcased their talents by performing songs from “Billy Elliot” and “High School Musical”, and the dance routine Pure Madness.

Principal Kath Thomas said: “The awards evening is really fantastic. It’s one of the key dates in the Oldham College diary, and certainly one I look forward to being part of immensely.

“I’m always amazed by the high standard of achievement of so many of our students through the guidance and teaching they receive at the college.”