STUDENTS celebrated the fruits of their labour at an awards ceremony.

Colchester Institute hosted the Further Education and Apprenticeship Awards ceremony to mark the efforts and achievements of those studying at its Colchester and Braintree campuses.

Certificates of excellence were handed out to scholars who were joined by relatives, friends, course tutors, college executives and governors. Guest speaker was soap star Carli Norris who most recently played Martha Kane in Hollyoaks and has also starred in Holby City.

Jordan Campbell, who studies plumbing at the Colchester college, received an award for outstanding achievement. He said: “It is good to be recognised in this way for my work and efforts. I have another year andhope to start up my own business.”

Hairdressing student Lee Moffatt was given the award for outstanding apprentice.

He said: “It is a great to achieve this award, especially asIam a mature student.”