A STUDENT from Teesdale won two key awards at Newton Rigg College's annual awards ceremony.

Dominic Rudge, student union president, received the John Rigg prize after passing his Level 3 extended diploma in Countryside Management, and was also awarded the Newton Rigg Society's first bursary.

He will use the £500 bursary to help buy a new laptop for when he continues his education at Cirencester in the autumn. Society members wished him well and look forward to hearing how his career progresses.

He was one of three students from Teesdale to do well. Each went to Teesdale School, Barnard Castle, and are members of the UTASS young people’s drop-in at Middleton-in-Teesdale.

Daniel Bell, from Forest-in-Teesdale, received the college's prize for dedication and hard work in engineering. He passed his level 3 extended diploma in land-based technology and now works full time at Middleton Forge.

James Scott, from Newbiggin, was awarded the Principal’s prize for outstanding achievement and contribution to college life. He successfully completed Level 2 in Agriculture and hopes to return to the college in September to study Level 3.

Matt Bagley, head of agriculture at the college, said: "We are very pleased to recognise the achievements of these young men who have all through their time at Newton Rigg applied themselves very well and are a real credit to themselves and the industries they are going to work in."

Frank Chester, chairman of the Newton Rigg Society also presented four trophies and cheques for £100 on the society's behalf.

The Exceptional Progress trophy went to Daniel Kirkbride; the Impressive entrepreneurial skills trophy was awarded to Leanne Pattinson; the contribution to college life trophy went to Jodie Smith; and the special recognition award to Lyndon Howson.

At the society's annual meeting Mr Chester stood down as chairman after three years and was succeeded by former vice chairman Trevor Wilson. Fiona Kidd became vice chair and new vice presidents are Ian Watson and Sir Martin Holdgate. John Rigg was made lifetime vice president for his work in reforming the Society.