STUDENTS from the North-East were honoured last night at a ceremony to reward their determination to take up higher education.

Fifteen young people were awarded £100 for taking part in the University of Teesside's Passport scheme.

Passport allows students at further education colleges, sixth forms and 11-18 schools to access enhanced advice and guidance on higher education and participate in a range of activities to give them a taste of university life.

David Kelly, managing director of Newsquest North-East, publishers of The Northern Echo and sponsors of the scheme, delivered the final address at the event in Middlesbrough last night.

Mr Kelly said: "I am in awe of so much that is demonstrated by these awards and I congratulate all the winners and all those others who have come into the frame.

"Today, you can take nothing for granted, other than the better equipped you are, the greater your chances.

"Higher education will change your life, it must. It will develop you as a person - it will enhance your knowledge and skills."

Mr Kelly said businesses of all sizes in the North-East desperately needed people skilled in communications and IT, as well as those with personal, management and practical skills.

He urged young people to embrace the opportunities available to them by exploring their options fully.

Mr Kelly presented a Passport to Achievement award to former Macmillan College student Paul McGarrity, who leaves on Sunday for the University College of London to read archaeology.

The 18-year-old said the scheme had helped him decide what course to choose, where to go and how to go about applying.

He added: "Education is becoming more open and accessible to people and they are starting to understand why it better to go to university.

"Some people don't know what university is all about but schemes like this are helping to break down barriers and that can only be a good thing."