WEST Cheshire College has been named as winner of the Education of Children and Young People Award by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) at their inaugural Community Safety Champions Awards.

The Awards were created by CFRS to recognise and reward individuals and organisations who have significantly helped contribute towards to CFRS’s main aim – to avoid preventable deaths, injuries and damage in the county from fires and accidents.

The College was named as winner for its role in delivering the Prince's Trust Programme for more than 15 years. Its continued support and funding of the programme has seen more than 1,400 young people given a second chance in life.

Part of the programme involves a community project when each team raises money and completes a project within the Cheshire community.

These projects have included sensory gardens at residential centres plus painting youth centres and school nurseries.

College Finance, Funding and Information Area Manager Fiona Fox, who accepted the award on behalf of the College, said: "The Prince’s Trust programme gives fantastic opportunities to young people and helps them learn more about the importance of their role in the community.

"This is a great honour and we are delighted the commitment and hard work of both our staff and the young people who take part have been recognised in this way."