GRADUATES of a 'summer university' were awarded medals for their efforts at a ceremony last week.

A total of 150 young people undertook vocational courses, ranging from catering, fashion and child care to performing arts, computer animation and make-up special effects, at Waltham Forest Council's Summer University and were praised for their achievements at a town hall ceremony on Thursday.

Mayor of Waltham Forest Richard Sweden and Cllr Clare Coghill, cabinet member for children and young people, attended the event.

Cllr Coghill said, "It really was a summer to remember in terms of achievements and it’s great to think that as the fantastically inspirational Olympians and Paralympians were breaking records down the road in Stratford, our young people were achieving goals of their own."

One graduate, Sarah-Jane, 15, from Chingford, who studied modelling and styling, said: "The course was really good. I really enjoyed learning about how to manage a company and work under pressure and it’s helped me focus on my exams and I want to do going forward to set up my own company."

The six-week programme provides pathways into higher education in the borough, delivered by Waltham Forest College.