More than 400 former students and their parents packed St Andrews Church in Gorleston for the East Norfolk Sixth Form College certificate presentation and awards evening.

Mayor John Burroughs presented the special awards for outstanding results or for contribution to college life.

Chairman of governors Lorna Anderson presented 69 governors awards to students with more than 480 UCAS points (the equivalent of four A grade A-levels) and Norfolk County Scholar certificates together with BTEC and A-level certificates.

A total of 156 students were presented with Norfolk County Scholar certificates for outstanding achievement, more than any other institution in the county.

The top award was presented to Christina Brown, who was the college's top performing student and has gone on to study maths with management at Loughborough University.

Daniel Thistlethwaite and Ria Swan jointly received the Thomas Rowe Memorial Prize for voluntary work and contribution to college life.

During their time at college they helped to raise funds for a wide range of charities including Children in Need, Macmillan Cancer, the Epilepsy Society, MIND and the Samaritans.

Two awards for the Whitehead Memorial Prize went to Maisie Hutchins and Alexandra Neve for their hard work and determination to succeed.

A new award this year was presented to top geology student Libby Rose by Ed Self on behalf of Gardline.

In her address, Ms King encouraged students to come back and work in the east of England.

She told the audience that over 334 of the students had gone on to study at 90 different universities in over 175 different degree areas.

She also gave examples of students who had gone on to work in local business or apprenticeships and congratulated all on their performance.

She explained how the college was again in line to be in the top 20 nationally - a 'remarkable' achivement, said the principal.

In his vote of thanks Isaac Kennedy, president of the Student Association and student governor, thanked parents for their support and teachers for their 'amazing dedication'.

Isaac's parents were among the first students when the college was formed 30 years ago, with his mother, Angi, going on to become a governor.