AN OLYMPIC medallist praised students for their gold standards last week at an annual awards ceremony.

Tessa Sanderson CBE, who has competed in six Olympic Games and won gold in javelin in 1984, presented 50 students at Redbridge College with their achievement certificates at the Student Awards ceremony.

Ms Sanderson gave a ten-minute address before handing out awards to the College's top students as part of the evening's celebrations.

Another special guest was Trudy Kilcullen, Chief Operating Officer for the Jack Petchey Foundation, who presented each of the College's 36 Jack Petchey Award winners from the past 12 months with a medallion.

Jack Petchey Awards celebrate those who overcome challenges and are a good role model to their peers, and each winner also receives a certificate and a cheque for £200 to be spent on anything that will benefit their experience at College.

Maisie Ann Golding, 15, of Goodmayes, Ilford, was also announced as Student of the Year as a tribute to her dedication to achieve the best whilst overcoming various personal challenges.

She said: "I really can't believe that I have won this award, I had to pinch myself when they called out my name.

"I feel so proud to have won as I never believed that I could achieve so much.

"I was previously bullied in school which knocked my confidence but later moved to my current school, Mayfield High.

"They work in partnership with the College which allows me to study here two days a week.

"It really has changed me and given me so much hope for the future."

The evening also included a short film made by the College's media students, a performance by the music department and refreshments made and served by hospitality and catering students.

Ms Sanderson said: "It was such a fabulous evening, I was overwhelmed by all the achievements and feel very proud to have been asked to be here.

"What really stood out for me was the range of ages and diverse mix of the students; it was amazing to see such an array of people achieving great things.".