A SAFETY-CONSCIOUS student picked up an award yesterday after gaining top marks in an exam.

Martin Taylor, 41, from Middlesbrough College, was presented with Teesside Safety Group's Golden Helmet award for getting the best marks on Teesside in the National Educational Board's Occupational Safety and Health certificate.

He also received £100 worth of vouchers during the ceremony at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough.

Ron Richards, Teesside Safety Group vice-chairman, said: "It's a pretty daunting examination.

"He's the top student in the Teesside area, so he's done very well.