BLACKBURN College has been awarded one of the best ever Ofsted reports for a college in the UK.

The inspection, which took place in November, judged the college "outstanding" in all five key areas inspected.

College principal Ian Clinton said: "I am absolutely thrilled with the results of the inspection.

"It is an incredible achieve-ment. Ofsted inspectors do not award top grade's lightly and to achieve the outstanding grade for all five key areas is truly exceptional.

"It's wonderful news for the college as a whole, staff and all those who worked so hard to achieve this outstanding result."

The outstanding grades were for effectiveness of provision, capacity to improve, achievement and standards, quality of provision and leadership and management.

Michael Wedgeworth, chair of Blackburn College Corporation Board said: "I am delighted with the results and the recognition given to Blackburn College for such a fantastic achievement."