STUDENTS at West Cheshire College have been rubbing shoulders with history while picking up awards at the city’s annual Freemen and Guilds ceremony.

During a function at the Guildhall in Watergate Street, Chester, representatives of the companies of the Freemen and Guilds presented awards to 15 students who studied for recognised qualifications.

Deputy principal, Penny Horsefield, said: ‘West Cheshire College is delighted with the awards received this year.

‘The Guild system is regarded as the origin of technical education in this country.’

The Bricklayers Award went to Robert Bolton, 21, from Chester, nominated for his enthusiasm and support to other students while completing his Intermediate Construction Award in brickwork.

Robert has been employed as a junior engineer in construction at Norwest Holst and will go to John Moores University to do a HNC in construction management.

He said: ‘I was keen to get experience in the trade and undertaking the course has been beneficial in helping me toward my career goal.’

Also celebrating is Christopher David Hardman, from Chester, who received the Cappers, Pinners, Wierdrawers and Linnendrapers Award in recognition of his dedication to his academic studies.

Undertaking a BTEC Higher National Certificate in electrical engineering, Christopher has been working for 10 years as an engineer for the Bridgewater Paper Company in Ellesmere Port and gained distinction levels for all ten units he took over the two years of the HNC programme.

He said: ‘I have received a promotion from electrician to technical support engineer, so receiving an award as well is definitely cause for double celebration.’