A FATHER-OF-TWO has beaten competition from scores of teenagers to be named Derwentside College's student of the year.
David Metcalfe, a 41-year-old former factory manager from Lanchester, left school with no qualifications and lost his job after 20 years.
He decided to return to education to fulfil his ambition of a becoming a physiotherapist.
After successfully completing a course at the college, in Consett, he has secured one of only 64 places to study the subject at Northumbria University - despite more than 700 applications.
"Derwentside College gave me the foundation for my success," said Mr Metcalfe, who received his award from Lisa Shaw, of the radio station, Century FM.
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