On the evening of Tuesday 05 September students from Newbury College gathered together with family and friends to celebrate their academic achievements at the College's annual Graduation and Award Ceremony. Guest of honour was BBC antiques expert and local businessman, Thomas Plant.

The event is held for students graduating from Level 4 courses and above, and for those who have worked exceptionally hard on further education courses (up to Level 3). Students were invited on stage to accept their certificates and awards from the College Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Anne Murdoch, the guest of honour and representatives from local organisations who helped sponsor the event.

Speaking about the evening, Dr Anne Murdoch said: It is always an honour for us to come together and celebrate the achievements of our students. This year the event took place in an indoor marquee in our Sports Hall which added to the sense of occasion.

We were very grateful to Thomas and his wise words of encouragement to our students. He told them not to be afraid of starting at the bottom and working up ' that way by the time they reach the top they would have experienced all they need to know to make a success of their career. We hope he inspired the students to be as passionate about their careers as he so obviously is about his own.

Winners of special awards were as follows: George Collins ' Outstanding Higher Education Mechanical Engineer Elliot Taylor ' Outstanding Higher Education Electrical and Electronic Engineer Karen Welton ' Outstanding Higher Education Learner Award Hamish Hearn ' Tony Allen Award for High Achievement in further education.

Other guests in attendance included Cllr Ellen Crumly, Mayor of Thatcham, Cllr David Fenn, Mayor of Newbury, Cllr Quinten Webb, Chair of West Berkshire Council and members of Newbury College's governing body.

Sponsoring companies included: AWE, Bluebird Care, Castle School, Corn Exchange Newbury, David Lloyd Clubs, Debenhams Parkway, Euro Car Parts, Heart, Jason Palmer Hairdressing, Jewson, Monkey Business, MWS Media, Newbury Weekly News, Parkway Shopping, Resonates, Taylor Shaw, The Living Rainforest, Vineyard, West Berkshire Council and Xtrac.

To view all of the photos from the event click here.