A blind student from Derby College has been awarded and named an inspiration to others after gaining a university place.
Lucy Jones, 22, who has been blind since birth, was one of many students to be given awards at the college’s annual Peak Awards.
Lucy studied art and design at the college and will now go on to study textiles and ceramics at the University of Bristol.
She said: “I couldn’t have done this course without the support of everyone here at Derby College and I am over the moon to have won this award.”
Her tutor, Jo Ferrari, said: “Lucy is an inspiration to us all and we are extremely proud of what she has achieved and she thoroughly deserves the visual arts award.”
More than 60 staff and students were given awards at the ceremony at the college’s Roundhouse campus.
Tasmine Zendera, 17, won the Skills for Life Award. She attended Derby College to complete her GCSEs after moving to the UK with her family from Zimbabwe. Among her achievements was an A* grade in business studies. She is now planning to do A-levels at the college’s Joseph Wright Centre.
Tasmine said: “It was difficult moving to a new country but I was determined to continue my education. I hope to go on to university to study criminal psychology.”
Principal David Croll said: “I am so moved every year to hear about the success that our students have achieved, often against the odds.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to applaud success and offer encouragement to go on and achieve even greater things in the future.”