PARALYMPICS wheelchair rugby star Aaron Phipps was the special guest at Eastleigh College’s glittering annual awards ceremony last night.

The inspirational athlete from Totton, who represented GB at London 2012, set the tone for a night of celebrating success stories from the past year.

More than 35 awards were presented, including the prestigious Governors’ Prize for Outstanding Achievement, awarded to Steven Burge, a refrigeration, air conditioning and electrical installation student.

Tony Lau-Walker, chief executive of Eastleigh College, said: “The awards evening reflects the wide range of learners succeeding at Eastleigh College.

“The college has over 18,000 students each year and works closely with employers to meet their training needs as well as support apprentices, full-time and part-time learners, adults and young people, all seeking to progress their careers with vocational qualifications and higher education awards delivered by the college.”

Other winners this year included the students from the foundation degree in art stitched textiles, who received the Student Team of the Year award in celebration of their excellent team working and spirit.

Floristry student Zoe Clarkson won the Vocational Student of the Year award and Ashley Smithers was the recipient of the Governors’ Award for Endeavour for his dedication and hard work on the motor vehicle course.