DUCHY College students celebrated their success and achievements throughout the year at the 27th annual prize giving ceremony.

Staff, students, governors, parents and friends gathered to celebrate with more than 1,200 people assembled in the grand marquee at Stoke Climsland. Guest of honour for the occasion was Bronwen Hewitt, chief executive at Dame Hannah Rogers Trust, who presented the certificates, prizes and special awards.

The ceremony was opened by Sharon Dudden, chair of Duchy College council of governors. Andrew Counsell, principal at Duchy College, then gave a report on the activities of the college over the last 12 months.

Prizes and special awards were given to students who had shown exceptional talent and determination throughout their course.

Katy Scorer, 19, from Yelverton, who studied Sport BTEC Extended Diploma Level three, won top sport student and sports personality of the year.

She said: 'I'm really happy and very proud to have won my awards because of my dedication to sport. I achieved full marks on my course and it's great to see that all my hard work has paid off.'

Matthew White, 19, from Stoke Climsland, won the award for best overall full-time student of the year for the childcare department and current Students' Union (CCSU) chair of Stoke Climsland campus.

Matt studied Children's Care, Learning and Development BTEC National Diploma.

He said: 'I'm so shocked to have won the best student of the year award as I wasn't expecting it and thought it would be someone else.

'I'm very proud though as my lecturer said that my volunteering and contribution to the CCSU has been really positive and I have been very understanding throughout my course, having spent the last two years as the only male in a group of girls!'

Following the presentations, students and their parents were invited to enjoy an array of cakes, organised by catering manager Dicky Bird, and chat to staff about the student successes from the year.

Matthew White, as students' union chairperson, addressed the crowd, and congratulated the students for all their hard work, and expressed thanks to all those who attended the day, and to those who have supported the students throughout the year.

Andrew Counsell said: 'Prize day is a fantastic celebration of the students' hard work, and a way for parents, guardians and friends to join in the success of the students. We wish them every success in their future careers and are delighted to have helped them on their way.'