An award-winning student was invited to the House of Lords to share her story and help showcase further education in the UK.

Katie Piper, from Moore Avenue, Sprowston, won a number of awards at Easton and Otley College and picked up a national BTEC award earlier this year.

The 20-year-old, who is now training to be a veterinary nurse in London on a degree course, was chosen as one of 11 students to bring to life the valuable role that further education colleges play in this country by sharing her story with MPs, lords and influential representatives from the education sector.

She said: 'This has been an outstanding year for me. It was a privilege to be in the corridors of power and makes me think that my legacy has carried on and I'm still being recognised for my efforts.

'I've still got a lot of friends at Easton and Otley and I'm going back to the college to give current students my advice to help motivate them to think about the opportunities that are available to them.

'BTEC and vocational qualifications don't always get the profile they deserve in comparison to A-levels. 'It was nice to be able to explain to the people who help run the country that I have been able to fulfil all my ambitions via this educational route and so have millions of other students in this country.'

She was invited to Westminster by the 157 Group, a consortium of colleges that represents the best interests of vocational education, and Landex, a company that provides services to colleges that provide specialist land-based programmes.

Interim principal at Easton and Otley College, Christina Sadler said: 'We are incredibly proud of Katie's achievement this year and I was delighted to be able to join her at this event.'

Have you been invited to share your story with important people? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk