A YEAR of success, both inside and outside the lecture room, was celebrated at Blackburn College's awards night.

Forging strong partnerships and building on the foundations of strong educational success helped the college build its reputation, the audience was told at the annual higher education awards evening last night at King George's Hall, Blackburn.

"The past year has had many exciting milestones for Blackburn College as we have continued to strive to fulfil our mission to serve the educational, cultural, social and economic needs of the local community and to provide further and higher educational opportunities to a national and international clientele," said Matthew Grant, assistant principal.

Principal Sheena Ewing was unable to attend because of illness and Mr Grant read her review of the year.

"We have continued to build on the excellent partnership established with the local authority which has seen significant developments on a number of fronts," said Mrs Ewing in her review. These included a summer school, close links with Blackburn's education action zone, and lifelong learning programmes.

The college also strengthened its links with local companies to deliver training programmes to provide skilled workers.

"Once again our students have impressed everyone with outstanding results in both academic and vocational disciplines," she added.

This included record high pass rates in many programmes including beauty therapy, engineering and administration. A-level students achieved a record 93 per cent pass rate, including 54 per cent passing their exams at grade C and above.

Mr Grant said the college planned to build on its successes in the coming year and into the future.

Lord Taylor of Blackburn, the Bishop of Blackburn the Right Rev Alan Chesters, the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Jack Bury, and representatives from education and business attended. HIGH FIVE: Students at the presentation night celebrate gaining Higher National Diplomas in leisure management (from left) Steven O'Reilly, Dan Mackriel, Joanne White, Konrad Breese and Jonathan Cowell