A MATURE student has received an award for her efforts in the classroom.

Gloria Cox, of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has been crowned as the region's leading scholar -winning the main prize in the Northern heat of the fourth NCFE national awarding group's National Student of the Year Awards.

The 55-year-old won the title after she successfully completed the NCFE diploma in counselling at Bishop Auckland College, and has been shortlisted for the national award, which will be announced this month.

She said: "I feel I have benefited from the course in so many ways. Not only have I learned a lot about myself, but my confidence has improved.

"Just to be nominated for the award was lovely and I still cannot believe that I have been chosen as the regional winner."

Tutor Christine McIntyre, who nominated Mrs Cox for the prize, said: "Gloria has demonstrated commitment to her studies and she has shown strength of character by recognising her weaknesses and turning these into strengths.

"I am very proud of her success."