A host of sponsors, students and local dignitaries gathered at Greenwich Community College last week for its annual student awards.

Students were presented with certificates and prizes donated by sponsors including: News Shopper, Barclays, Charlton Athletic, the Learning and Skills Council and the University of Greenwich.

Baroness Howells of St Davids was the guest speaker. She was full of praise and encouragement for the students and emphasised the need to keep on learning.

She said: "The more you seek knowledge the more empowered you are to make it in this world."

Other guest speakers included Iain Smith, chair of the Greenwich Community College Corporation and principal Geoff Pine.

Mr Pine said: This celebration of student success comes in a year when we have seen another improvement in examination achievements and had a positive inspection report. I'd like to thank the students for all their hard work and dedication."

Among the winners was 20 year old Gemma Mansi from Thamesmead, who received a News Shopper award for her dedication and achievement in media studies.

Tutor Jaime Taylor said: "Gemma joined the college in the second year of her A'Level and is a hard-working, focused and positive student who clearly enjoys her studies."

Niyi Adepoju, 23, (also from Thamesmead) won a News Shopper award for his outstanding achievement and dedication while studying A'Level biology, chemistry and maths.

Guests were treated to a student fashion show, a medley of hits from the Lion King performed by the Greenwich Musical Theatre Academy and classical music from a string quartet provided by Trinity College of Music.