TOP students at Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College have been rewarded for their efforts and achievements.

The main hall was packed with students, parents, governors and community representatives for the school's college presentation evening.

Dave Parnaby, director of Middlesbrough Football Club's Football Academy, was the main guest speaker and his son, player Stuart, helped present the awards.

He compared the success of his academy with that of the school, highlighting the need for individual commitment, effective team work and the crucial role of parents in supporting their children.

He praised the effort and achievement of everyone in the college, which recorded its best improvement in GCSE grades this year with 57 per cent of students gaining 5A* to C grades.

Special awards went to:

Vincent Cooke, biggest improvement key stage two to three; Martin Barrons, literacy; Stacey I'Anson, most improved student; Lee Aunger, personal development award; David Winskill and Danielle Maughan, sports people of the year 2003/4; Amy Egleton, (The New College Award) outstanding student in vocational education 2003/4. Samantha Morland, the young entrepreneur of the year; Samantha Bell, (The Glynn Wales Bowl) outstanding year 11 student 2003/4.

Stuart Parnaby presented the award for outstanding student of the year to Samantha Bell.