A COLLEGE where most of the staff and students are female has won national recognition for its commitment to gender equality.

Bishop Auckland College, led by principal and chief executive Joanna Tait, beat national companies such as BT and Northern Rock to take the Framework for Action Award at the Opportunity Now Awards in London.

Joanna has 16 women on her management team of 23.

The college is the second biggest employer in the area and there are twice as many women as men on its 607-strong staff.

Joanna Tait said: "Further education colleges cannot succeed without all employees reaching their full potential.

"Over half of our students are women - they need to see women and men working in a wide range of roles to help them fulfil their potential.

"Women now account for over half the workforce, but the UK is still lagging behind on issues such as equal pay."