NEWLY-qualified staff at a Teesside hospital are celebrating after picking up honours for being the best students on their course.

The radiology division at The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, will benefit with the two radiographers and an assistant radiography practitioner joining the hospital staff.

Students Peter Turnbull, Rachel Tye and Elizabeth Haddon all received their awards at the recent degree ceremony at the University of Teesside for being the best students on their courses.

Mr Turnbull gained his BSc in diagnostic radiography and was named best overall student and Rachel also gained a BSc in diagnostic radiography and was named as the best student in practical applications.

Radiology assistant Elizabeth Haddon was seconded into training for an assistant practitioner role through the foundation degree route.

She was named the best student on the foundation degree in health and social care course and is one of the first assistant practitioners working in the department, which provides x-ray and diagnostic examinations.

Mr Turnbull said: "We all really enjoyed our courses and, although it was hard work, it was worth it.

"The best student awards were the icing on the cake and we were surprised, but delighted, to receive them.

"We are looking forward to putting our expertise into practice at the hospital."

Superintendent radiographer Elaine McNulty said: "For three staff from the same department to all be awarded best student is a outstanding achievement and a tribute to the hard work and effort they and all the staff involved in their training have put in."