A college has celebrated the successes of students and their families.

Derwen College, which is a specialist college for individuals aged between 16 and 24 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), held a ceremony for students who had completed their chosen pathway.

In total, 35 students were celebrated at the event at Lion Quays Hotel and Resort near Oswestry.

The ceremony recognised the students' work, independence, skills, and friendships.

They were recognised as having increased their abilities and confidence in preparation for adulthood.

Former students and their families were joined at the event by community and county representatives, including High Sheriff of Shropshire, Brian Welti, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner, Mayor of Oswestry, Councillor Mike Isherwood, and Councillor of Selattyn and Gobowen, Craig Emery.

Staff, governors, and supporters also attended the occasion to celebrate the students' achievements.

Certificates and trophies were awarded to students and supported interns from Derwen College's sites in Gobowen, Telford, and Walford.

They were recognised for their progress in work, independence, sports, leisure, kindness, consideration, and resilience.

Drinks were served by the College's hospitality students, and entertainment was provided by street dance team, Derwen Dance Crew, and sign, song, and dance group, Derwen on Tour.

The ceremony was opened by college principal and CEO, Meryl Green, and concluded with a speech from the college's chair of governors, K Kimber.

Tom Crone with Meryl Green and Brian Welti (Image: Supplied) Ms Green said: "Graduates, make the most of the foundations you have built as you move onto jobs, college courses, voluntary work, supported or independent living.

"Whatever you are doing, these are exciting times.

"We wish you all the very best in your futures and we, at Derwen College, had a wonderful time with you and are honoured to be part of your story."

Several students were recognised with special achievement awards.

Freya Oliver won the Hospitality and Food Emma Briscoe Cup, Morgan Evans won the Horticulture Frank Matthews Cup, and Justin Harley won the Retail Cup.

Megan Probyn received the Neil Jew Cup for Outstanding Student in Performing Arts, Chloe Martin was awarded the Richard Dodd Memorial Trophy for Learning for Life, and Caitlin Hooper received the Nurture Cup.

The Outstanding Satellite Students awards went to Dylan Estabrook for Walford and Ethan Patrick for Telford.

Emily Patterson won the Supported Internship Cup, Sophie Dempsey received the Mary Morris Bowl for Independence for residential students, and Elizabeth Knox won the Paddy Hughes Cup for Independence for day students.

Tom Crone received the Boulton Shield for leisure, Arielle Nardone was presented with the William Chapple Cup for Kindness and Consideration for Others, and Lauren Twomey and Jasmine Yarsley both received the Irene Gull Award for Student Voice.

The Caitlin Kelly Spirit Award for resilience went to Millie Seymour Hignett and Jordan Cooke, and Chloe Martin was named the Susannah Ruth Overall Outstanding Student of 2024.

For more information about opportunities at Derwen College's Gobowen, Telford, Ludlow, and Walford sites, visit their website.