HOLLYOAKS star Alex Carter presented pupils with awards in the first ceremony of its kind recognising work-related achievement.

The teenage actor, who plays Lee Hunter in the Channel Four soap, was a guest at the recent event at East Durham and Houghall Community College, in Peterlee.

It recognised year ten pupils in East Durham who had excelled on work-related and vocational courses in school or at the college.

Guests were treated to a catwalk display of fashion hairdressing, created and performed by youngsters on the NVQ college programme, while other pupils helped with the catering. There was also a display of the work produced on various courses.

A spokesperson said: "The initiative is sponsored by the Department for Education and Skills, and is part of the Increased Flexibility Project.

"Six comprehensive schools, a special school and the local further education college have demonstrated the willingness and ability to work together to provide NVQ and new GCSE courses for over 400 year ten pupils.

"It is an excellent example of the way institutions need to work together."

Among the practical courses on offer are hairdressing, brickwork, joinery, catering, painting and decorating, health and social care, and art and design.