Students put college in line for top award

Students have put East Durham College in the running for a major national award which recognises its work in the local community.

The college – which is based in Peterlee and Durham – has been shortlisted in the ‘Contribution to the Local Community’ category in the prestigious annual Tes Further Education Awards.

The nomination recognises a range of community work undertaken by students – after they expressing a desire to have a more positive and prominent role in the local area, and college staff set to work with helping to investigate opportunities.

Craig Dowell, programme leader for the ‘Engage 14-16’ project at the Peterlee Campus, said: “I’m so incredibly proud of all our students, and this award nomination is totally for them and the amazing work they have done over the last couple of years.

"It’s fantastic that their efforts have been recognised by such a prestigious award. These are the Oscars of the Further Education sector.

Community projects the students have worked on include helping refurbish Peterlee Police Station and getting involved in the new Peterlee Youth Town Council – giving the opinions of young people to help counsellors in their decision making.

This led to the students working on a project to help with the upkeep of the gardens of the elderly – and they are also working on the refurbishment of a local park and play area, a tree planting scheme and the development of a garden and footpath at a care home.

Award winners will be announced next month.