A PART-time student at Middlesbrough College is to receive an excellence award which recognises her outstanding achievements on her course.

Judith Smith, of Adcott Road, Acklam, Middlesbrough, has been working towards a City and Guilds Certificate in learning support. She has now received an extra special medal excellence award for candidates who have displayed exceptional standards.

Yesterday, she was presented with her medal at the City and Guilds Northern and Scottish Medals Presentation, at Berwick.

The judging panel said that they had been impressed with Judith's dedication, hard work and innovation.

She took the course to help her improve her work at Hall Garth School as a classroom coordinator and pupil literacy support worker. She returned to work after both her children reached secondary school age and is also a parent governor at Hall Garth School.

Valerie Cunningham, her lecturer at Middlesbrough College, said: "Judith is a really interested student who wants the best for herself and the pupils she works with.

"I am delighted that she has gained this extra recognition for her efforts."

Judith was delighted when she heard she had been nominated for an award by Middlesbrough College and was over the moon to learn she had been successful.

"I am very pleased that my hard work on the course has been recognised," she said.