Hundreds of students celebrated a year of hard work and dedication when they were honoured at a special awards ceremony.

More than 1,100 students, proud families and special guests gathered at Suffolk New College for their End of Year Celebration 2013 yesterday.

It awarded students for their hard work in their respective fields.

Two awards were sponsored by the East Anglian Daily Times and The Ipswich Star.

The first went to Kelsey Burton for Outstanding Progress, while Jack Evans was the recipient of the second, accepting the award for Outstanding Commitment in Media (Level 2 Diploma).

Professor Dave Muller, principal of the college, said: “The success rate of our students at Suffolk New College is contributed to by the outstanding teaching, business support staff and management.

“I am truly proud of the work involved to help our students succeed.”

The EADT will publish a Suffolk New College ‘End of Year Celebration’ supplement on July 17.

Richard Nicol, chair of corporation at the college, said: “As this is my last year as chair I am proud to be at this event and to see so many successful students.

“A large majority of our students have gone on to jobs or further education.

“It has been an exceptional four years.”

The occasion saw guest of honour and Suffolk New College art foundation graduate Aimee Ward, who has found success in London as a womenswear fashion designer, deliver an inspirational speech.

Performing arts students showcased their talent at the ceremony, including a rendition of I Dreamed a Dream from the musical Les Miserables.