CENTRAL Sussex College held its 57th annual awards to recognise top students and apprentices in construction and engineering.

The event was attended by student winners and their guests and representatives from sponsors Kier Construction and the Burgess Hill District Lions Club.

The students and guests were welcomed with drinks and a buffet provided by the college’s hospitality and catering students.

Vice principal Dean Wynter opened the event.

He thanked sponsors and guests for their support and highlighting the college’s expertise in the fields of construction and engineering and its long history of working in partnership with local businesses.

Head of studies Jeremy Ridley presented the awards.

Among the winners was Bethany Ward, 18, who was presented with the Shahid Moghal Memorial Award for best student in light vehicle maintenance and repair.

The John Cox Cup for best craft student went to Mahum Bhatti, 20.

He also won overall gold at the Young Craftsman of the Year competition.

Picking up the D W Nye Builders Merchant Cup was Connor Lindsay, 19.

The award for student of the Year 2016-2017 went to Taylor Woods, 23.

He also received the faculty of construction and engineering award for welding and fabrication and has been selected to represent the college at the SkillWeld regional finals.

Sponsorship contributed towards the prizes for the winners which included trade tools, cash, gift vouchers and a bursary.

The college said it was grateful to the Burgess Hill District Lions Club for its donation.

Mr Wynter said: “We are delighted to once again honour the achievements of the college’s construction and engineering students, of whom we are extremely proud.

“I would like to thank our dedicated and supportive lecturers who do all they can to support and inspire our students, and also to thank our sponsors and the local construction industry.”