STUDENTS were praised for their hard work at a college’s annual awards evening.

The Celebrating Success event at South Essex College’s Southend Campus saw former student Gareth Read, now 48, speak about his career in engineering and hand out awards.

Aimee Wicks, 20, from Rayleigh, won the Early Years, Health and Social Care Student of the Year award, George Mckinlay, 18, from Basildon, won the Hospitality and Catering award, and James Allen, 19, from Billericay, won Motor Vehicle Student of the Year.

Paul Boorman, 24, from Grays, won Adult Student of the Year, Rebecca Ross, 18, won the Hairdressing and Beauty award and Tegan Stock, 18, from East Tilbury, won the Travel and Tourism award while Phoebe Morris won Business & ICT Student of the Year.