STUDENTS Thomas Hudson and Ali Bayston have won the acclaim of their peers for their contribution to community life.

Thomas, 17 and Ali, 18, who topped a poll of senior students at Northallerton College, have both been presented with antique silver crosses.

The Cuthbert Cross scheme was set up more than 90 years ago to celebrate the links between the former grammar school and Durham Cathedral.

More than 200 students applauded as the chairman of the governors, John Dennis, presented the pair with the awards for doing the most to enhance the reputation and character of the college by their "loyal, chivalrous and honourable conduct".

In recognition of the cathedral link, Canon David Whittington took part in the ceremony and congratulated them before handing over miniature versions of the crosses.

Ali was involved in the student council, as a member of the charities committee and was in at the start of the Christian Union. As a Millennium Volunteer she gave more than 200 hours of her time to help the local community and was also part of the college environmental action group.

She was captain of the college and area hockey teams and was active in tennis, basketball and athletics as well as playing women's football and rugby.

Thomas was chairman of the student council and a Millennium Volunteer, working in the Oxfam shop and helping to organise the volunteer scheme and village events. He also did a first aid course and helped to show people around the college on open days.