A PROP maker for the film industry was honoured last night for completing his studies while twice battling cancer.

James Oliver became FE+ Student of the Year at a ceremony in Yarm, near Stockton, as the Tees Valley celebrated the finest examples of determination, dedication and hard work among students.

The 24-year-old's plight was one of countless tales of courage and commitment to emerge at the awards ceremony, now in its second year.

Many students overcame debilitating health difficulties to pass their courses.

Some faced enormous personal challenges just to get to college. Others went the extra mile to achieve outstanding grades, driven by talent or enthusiasm for their subject.

James secured the award for creative arts. He was also proclaimed overall Tees Valley Student of the Year, an accolade sponsored by the Learning and Skills Council.

A packed audience heard that during his studies he had twice overcome cancer, in his throat and chest, undergoing debilitating chemotherapy and radiotherapy, yet still managing to complete his entertainment design craft degree at Cleveland College of Art and Design.

Sadly, after believing he had the disease beaten and managing to secure work in the film industry, he has been diagnosed with cancer once again after doctors found another tumour in his chest.

James, of Nunthorpe, in Middlesbrough, who now lives with his parents in Cumbria, said: "My doctor knew it would be struggle and I was advised to take a year off, but I wanted to carry on.

"The final year at college was a lot harder for me, but I saw it as something I had to do. It was a goal I had to complete. There were some days when I didn't get to college, but most of the time I was there for nine or ten hours. I am known for being stubborn.

"I have to take it as it comes now. I know more chemo is a possibility and the thought of it is not nice, but hopefully it will improve my life in the long term."

David Waddington, marketing chairman of FE+ and principal of Hartlepool College, said: "All of these students have achieved the highest standards against a backdrop of personal difficulty and challenge. They are an inspiration to us all."

FE+ was formed in 2000 to promote the development and delivery of high 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.

Thousands 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.

An independent panel of judges, comprising representatives from FE+ and the sponsors, selected the category winners and the overall Student of the Year.