FE+ has recently held their third annual further education awards ceremony at the Tall Tees Hotel, Yarm.

This year's awards were sponsored by leading sector companies which included University of Teesside, Huntsman Tioxide, Northern Echo, Train to Gain, Evening Gazette and the Learning & Skills Council.

Incorporating a four-course gala dinner, the presentation was attended by around 600 guests including partners, stakeholders and clients of the further education sector, as well as the award winners and their families.

This year's special guest was Kevin Connelly from the BBC television programme "Dead Ringers". Local BBC radio presenter Matthew Davies and Darlington College's Sue Campbell were masters of ceremonies.

There were 13 award categories including the Tees Valley Student of the Year Award which was sponsored by the Learning & Skills Council.

Chair of FE+ David Willshaw said "The awards, now in their third year, have a high profile in the region and set a fantastic standard for learning, showcasing the amazing talent in the region. The awards event celebrates the achievements of many learners who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to learning and I would like to again extend my thanks to all the nominees and finalists for their hard work, the nominators for their help in making us aware of the immense talent across Tees Valley and the awards' sponsors for helping to make this evening so successful".