A Norwich college celebrated the achievements of some of its most outstanding students this evening with a special awards ceremony.

The achievements of sixteen exceptional City College Norwich students were celebrated at the college's 10th annual Further Education Awards, held at the Assembly House in the city centre.

The hard-workers were presented with awards in recognition of outstanding progress and achievements on their course of study, special achievements in going far above and beyond the requirements of their course, overcoming barriers to learning, and for outstanding community spirit.

A further four students were presented with awards for achievements that stand out across the college as a whole.

Corrienne Peasgood, principal of City College Norwich, said: 'Congratulations to all of our further education award winners whose achievements we are celebrating.

'Our award winners' stories are testimony to the life-changing possibilities of further education and we wish all of our award winners well as they move on to the next stages of their lives, be that within further education, higher education, apprenticeships or employment.'

Hairdressing student Lauren Doggett, 19, from Norwich, was presented with the Governors' Award for Outstanding Student Achievement.

Showing a natural flair for hairdressing since she started out on the course three years ago, she has successfully progressed through the levels to gain her Level 3 Diploma in hairdressing this year.

Hairdressing lecturer Steve Bacon praised her for being 'a really creative student who is always prepared to put in that extra effort.'

Level 3 Public Services student Tom Salisbury, 17, from Mulbarton, was awarded the Governors' Robert Walton Award for Outstanding Contribution to College Life.

Whilst studying towards his goal of joining the police, he has helped other students, both as a class and course representative, and also as a student volunteer.

Mathew Scott, programme manager, said: 'Tom has shown terrific levels of commitment and fortitude, taking every opportunity in his time at college to develop himself, his peers and fellow students.'

Nineteen-year-old Munim Sikder, from Sprowston, was awarded the StartUp Lounge Award for Student Entrepreneur of the Year. The Sports Science student, with the help of his business mentor Simon Linstead, of Nurture Financial Planning, has recently launched The Nest Dessert and Shisha Lounge, to promote social cohesion and build cultural understanding.

Peter Efstratiou, 31, from Norwich, was awarded The James Barr Memorial Award in recognition of his academic achievements on the Access to Higher Education (Natural Sciences) Diploma.

In addition to overcoming the challenges of adjusting to the UK education system after being schooled in his Swaziland and South Africa, Mr Efstratiou has exceeded his own expectations about what he could achieve. He is going on to study a zoology degree at Exeter University.

Course tutor Marjorie Comley said: 'His writing style is excellent and I look forward to him sending me signed copies of his first books.'

And Laura Watson, 19, from Norwich, was presented with the award for Overcoming Barriers to Success in Pre-Employment Training.

When she started at the college's mint employment service at the end of December last year she had very high anxiety and was low in confidence. With help and support from her job coach and her manager, she has overcome her anxiety.

Sarah Bird, mint job coach, said, 'Laura should be extremely proud of what she has achieved in a short space of time and everyone at Mint wishes her all the best for the future'.

• Have you done something exciting at your school? Contact reporter Donna-Louise Bishop by emailing donna-louise.bishop@archant.co.uk, ringing 01603 693892 or follow @donnaloubishop on twitter.

• See Saturday's papers for a picture spread from the awards ceremony.