STUDENTS and their families joined Andover College staff, governors and special guests at The Lights Theatre on Tuesday to enjoy what principal Tim Jackson described as a remarkable and inspiring event.

The college's Celebration of Achievement Awards ceremony takes place each year and recognises not just educational achievement but also those who have made significant contributions to the college or local community or overcome a number of barriers to learning.

Guest of honour was former student Sebastian Blake who, after leaving the college in 2005 and despite dyslexia, went on to gain a First Class Honours degree in Environ-mental Science from the University of East Anglia (UEA).

Sebastian has just begun an MSc in Environmental Assessment and Manage-ment, also at UEA, with the aim of working in the water industry to protect aquatic ecology from climate change and pollution. The overall winner of each of the eight categories was announced by representatives of the sponsoring organisations, who also presented the awards.

Sponsors included Aimhigher Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Andover Golf Club, edutxt, Reel Cinema, Test Valley Borough Council, Testway Housing Ltd, The Stannah Group, and the University of Winchester.

Martin Simmons, vice principal of Andover College, said: "I'd like to congratulate every achiever who has been invited here tonight.

"Following the merger with Sparsholt College last September, Andover College is now among the best performers in Hampshire, finally returning the reputation for sixth form and professional learning and skills training in Andover to its rightful position. All the staff take great delight in the proud achievements of the learners who completed their courses this summer."

Principal Tim Jackson summed up by saying he was incredibly proud of these achievements and urged students to never stop learning.

Award winners Academic Achievement Award - Liam Hedge Vocational Achievement Award - Alfie Morris Education Achievement Award - Joanne Pedder Personal Achievement Award - Frances Hutt Alan Guyatt Achievement Award - Victoria Maxted-Pettman IT Achievement Award - Adam Allen Nigel Spackman Award for Sport - Michael D'Aguiar Community Achievement Award - Aimhigher Student Ambassadors: Aimiee Blakemore, Daniel King, Ellie Kouviou, Hannah McDougall, Jason Papp, Katie Blackmoor Principal's Award - Peter Upfold.