BOSSES at one of East Lancashire's biggest colleges are celebrating a hugely successful annual report.

Chairman of Accrington and Rossendale College Roger Brunt said he was very pleased with the institution's performance for the academic year 1997 to 1998 and that the team continued to provide an excellent service to thousands of students as well as playing a valid part in the local economy.

During that time the college, which has sites in Accrington and Rawtenstall, was awarded a Charter Mark for excellence in public services and a National Beacon Award for outstanding work with the community.

The report also highlights exam successes, particularly A-level passes which at 91 per cent exceeded the national average.

In the report Mr Brunt said: "The college's mission emphasises our determination to match our programme of courses to the needs of the community and it is important for us to continue to investigate new ways of communicating more effectively with individual groups and organisations in community. "On behalf of all members of the College Corporation, and communities we represent, I would like to thank the staff and students for their hard work and commitment and to congratulate them on their achievements."

In a breakdown of students attending the college, the report shows that almost 20,000 enrolled on full and part-time course during the year with about 3,000 coming from ethnic minorities. The majority of students are mature students over the age of 25.

Humanities are by far the most popular courses, followed by art and design, business and engineering and a huge proportion of students live within the college's core catchment areas.

Over the year the students travelled to America, Russia, China and Europe as well as organising many successful events, including their most successful arts and media festival and several fashion and beauty events.

Individual achievements by students including trainee plumber Jonathan Waite, who won the North West heat of a national competition, Sarah Robinson, who won the Thwaites Travel Scholarship to Hungary and former drama student Julie Hesmondhalgh, who scooped a starring role as Hayley Patterson in Coronation Street.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.