Hundreds of students at Accrington and Rossendale College have been recognised for their achievements at its higher education awards evening.

The annual ceremony took place at Accrington Town Hall with guest of honour Dr George Holmes who is the vice-chancellor of the University of Bolton.

Charlotte Scheffmann, dean of higher education at Accrington and Rossendale College, said the evening was a ‘true celebration’ of the students’ hard work.

She said: “This is a real highlight in the college calendar as friends, family and employers gather together to celebrate these fantastic achievements.

“When these people pick up their awards it is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication and I can think of no better reason to celebrate.

“Each year, we have hundreds of graduates who have changed their lives and improved their employment and promotion prospects through higher education.

“This year we had a further six per cent growth in graduates and our student feedback places us as the best in Lancashire and in the top 25 per cent nationally for teaching, assessment, academic support and personal development.”