THE hard work and achievements of tutors and students at Riverside College was recognised when they were presented with their Duke of Edinburgh Gold and Platinum Awards.

Sports tutors Ste Buckley, Iain Douglas, Phil Roscoe and Paul Spearitt received their Platinum Awards during a ceremony at Kingsway Leisure Centre.

Sir Kenneth Green, who has supported the Duke of Edinburgh Awards for more than 20 years, opened the ceremony and congratulated the 300 Halton participants.

The Mayor of Halton, Cllr John Swain, presented the awards.

He said: 'The skills and confidence you learn while on the programme will stay with you for the rest of their lives.' In order to gain their Platinum Award, the four members of staff had to complete two tasks over a

period of five months.

The sports department at Riverside College will now be using the award

to implement the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award to the public services students at the college.

The students will look at exhibition skills and physical activities, learn a new skill and complete a voluntary service such as first aid.

Ste Buckley said: 'We are all proud. This will only spur us on to develop the Duke of Edinburgh Award in the college so students will achieve Silver and Gold Awards.'

Student Craig Grugel also received his 100 and 200 hours Voluntary Service Awards. In July, he will be visiting St James' Palace to be congratulated on his achievements by the Duke of Edinburgh.