Hard-working students from Easton and Otley College were recognised at its annual apprenticeship awards last week.

East Anglian Daily Times: Billy Newton from Aldeburgh was awarded the vehicle maintenance apprentice of the year gong at the Easton and Otley College apprenticeship awards. Picture: JOHN NICEBilly Newton from Aldeburgh was awarded the vehicle maintenance apprentice of the year gong at the Easton and Otley College apprenticeship awards. Picture: JOHN NICE (Image: Archant)

The second annual occasion was held at Bressingham Hall on Wednesday, where 22 awards were handed to dedicated students and firms which supported them.

Among those to have been given an award were Hayley Underdown, Billy Newton, Emily Heaslip, Nicola Cox, Rosemary Thorrington, Sally Phillipson and Craig Thompson, while Ipswich Buses, Haverhill Community Sports Association and Blue Cross were also honoured.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hospitality apprentice of the year Rose Thorrington from Ipswich (left) with Easton and Otley College chairman of governors Mark Pendlington at the college's annual apprenticeship awards. Picture: JOHN NICEHospitality apprentice of the year Rose Thorrington from Ipswich (left) with Easton and Otley College chairman of governors Mark Pendlington at the college's annual apprenticeship awards. Picture: JOHN NICE (Image: Archant)

Head of employer engagement Louise Wicks said: “This event was set up to shine a light on some of the amazing businesses and individuals that we support via apprenticeships.

“Apprenticeships don’t always get the recognition they deserve in comparison with other qualifications such as A-levels, therefore we are happy to champion their importance.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Peter Betts from Haverhill Community Sports Association (left) with Easton and Otley College chairman of governors Mark Pendlington at the college's annual apprenticeship awards. Picture: JOHN NICEPeter Betts from Haverhill Community Sports Association (left) with Easton and Otley College chairman of governors Mark Pendlington at the college's annual apprenticeship awards. Picture: JOHN NICE (Image: Archant)