THREE college students have earned themselves special recognition due to outstanding results in their chosen course.

Diana Stockton, Gemma Wilkins and Kelly Davison, who are all students on the Foundation GNVQ Health and Social Course at Hartlepool College of Further Education, have each gained a distinction for their final exams.

The course is based on six modules giving experience in working with the very young and the elderly.

Once qualified, students can specialise in various areas leading to possible careers in health, childcare or working with the elderly.

Trudie Swales, lecturer for the department of health and care at the college, said: "We are extremely delighted for all the girls. They have all done very well and have achieved a great deal. These are achievements which they can carry with them into further study.