THE finest examples of determination, dedication and sheer hard work among learners in the Tees Valley will be honoured in this year's FE+ Awards.

Debilitating health difficulties, enormous personal challenges, talent and enthusiasm for their subjects are among countless tales in this year's final.

An awards ceremony, in front of 700 guests at Tall Trees, Yarm, near Stockton, on Thursday, will bring the annual contest to a climax as the region's most deserving students are rewarded for their efforts.

FE+ was formed in 2000 to promote the development and delivery of quality education and training in the Tees Valley.

It brings together Cleveland College of Art and Design, Darlington College, Hartlepool College of Further Education, Middlesbrough College, Redcar and Cleveland College and Stockton Riverside College in an innovative partnership.

Now in their second year, the awards recognise and celebrate achievement among young people in further education in the region.

Thousand of students were eligible for top honours, but those who made it to the nomination stage were chosen by their tutors because they had something extra to offer.

With prize money totalling almost £4,000, there are 11 categories covering the programme areas of academic achievement; business management and professional; computing and information technology; construction; creative arts; design and media; engineering; hair and beauty; health and social care; hospitality and catering; and leisure, sport, travel and tourism.

An independent panel of judges took into consideration students' backgrounds, achievements and progress made on vocational or academic courses.

One winner has been chosen from the nominees in each category, with the overall winner of the competition receiving the title of Tees Valley Student of the Year.

Guest of honour at the event will be Graham Henderson, vice-chancellor of Teesside University, while masters of ceremonies will be radio presenter Alan Wright and TV presenter Wendy Gibson.

David Waddington, marketing chairman of FE+ and principal of Hartlepool College, said: "Standards seem to be higher than ever this year which made judging a near impossible task.

"I am really looking forward to the ceremony when we can all celebrate the remarkable success of learners in the further education sector."