THREE students have been honoured for their outstanding dedication to improving life in their college and the local community.

Sam Toothill, Kieran McCallum and Sara-Jane Craddock were this year’s recipients of the Cuthbert Cross - the most prestigious accolade that Northallerton College can bestow upon its students.

The solid silver crosses mark the college’s close association with Durham Cathedral and St Cuthbert and have been presented annually for 99 years.

They are given to students who have gone the extra mile to enhance and promote the reputation of the college.

However, their origins can be traced back to 1322 when Durham Cathedral, where St Cuthbert finally came to rest, founded a school in Northallerton to teach Latin grammar.

Sam and Kieran were joint winners of the boys’ accolade – the first time in six years that it has been shared.

Sam, 18, of Kirkby Fleetham, was part of the Student Council that organised the summer fete, common room cake sales and car boot sales.

He was also strongly involved in the college’s performing arts successes, including providing acting workshops and starring in several productions.

"It was a real surprise to win the award, but I am absolutely delighted that other students and staff voted for me," he said.

Kieran, 17, of Aiskew, was part of an ambassadorial team promoting the sixth form to local secondary school students and helped lead a professional development session for governors that considered how education in Northallerton should look in 20 years’ time.

He also organised "Formal Fridays" which encourage sixth form students to dress in everything from smart shirts to top hat and tails combinations.

He said: "I’m really thrilled because this is the most important award that the college gives out and there were plenty of excellent nominees."

Sara-Jane, 18, of Brompton, has been involved in a vast array of activities, from heading the Student Council and the Charity Council to performing arts events in elderly care homes and the Rotary Youth Leadership Award.

She said: "I have loved my time at the college and have thoroughly enjoyed giving something back here and in the local community."

College principal Mick Hill said: "Choosing the winners is an incredibly difficult job and the calibre of this year’s nominees was extremely high once again."