Two local students achieved prize winning success at local college awards ceremony.

Rebecca Hurst Smith, who lives in Crediton, was named as Adult Community and Employability Student of the Year at the annual Exeter College Student Awards 2014-15.Katie Toms, from Hittisleigh, a former pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Crediton was named Michael Caines Academy Student of the Year.

More than 170 students, family, friends, college staff, members of the community and business leaders attended the glittering gala event on Thursday, January 7.

Rebecca was one of 28 student award winners at the ceremony held at the Rougemont Hotel. The college has a broad range of full time and part time courses and a growing range of apprenticeships.

The winning students also came from Exeter and across Devon, reflecting the wide geographical reach of the college.

The guest of honour at the awards ceremony was past Exeter College student Spencer Dale, who is currently Group Chief Economist for BP, having been Chief Economist for the Bank of England until 2014.

Rebecca was praised for approaching her ITQ course with courage and commitment and passed Levels 1 and 2 within the year – an exceptional achievement.

The college said Rebecca is a totally committed person with excellent work skills and great empathy for others.

Richard Atkins, CBE, Principal of Exeter College said: “Exeter College is very proud of the achievements of all its students and staff, and each faculty celebrates their own successes in a number of ways through the year, including their own awards events.

“The Annual Exeter College Student Awards Ceremony is the culmination of a highly successful year and gives us the opportunity to acknowledge, in particular, those students who have achieved excellence in their studies, or persevered under difficult circumstances and/or having contributed positively to their peers, and the wider community. Congratulations to all of our award winners.”

The award categories at the awards ceremony ranged across the college’s broad offer, from Higher Education, Adult Community Education, 14-16 Student, Apprentice of the Year to Sports Academy Student of the Year, and much more.

The winning students were nominated for a wide range of factors, including overcoming significant barriers in their studies, achieving excellence, as well as making a positive contribution to the wider college.

The sponsors joining the college at the event were: Alcoa Howmet, City and Guilds, Devon County Council, Express and Echo, Exeter International Airport, Exeter Chamber of Commerce, Exeter City Football Club, Exeter City Council, Foot Anstey, Jones Lang La Salle, the Met Office, Pearson, Santander, and Saxon Spence CBE.