Double Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead was the guest speaker at Portland College’s annual Awards Day.

The 200m runner delivered an inspirational video message to learners as the celebration of the last academic year marked the achievements of learners.

The 16 awards were split into three separate ceremonies because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mark Dale, principal and chief executive,said: “We are exceptionally proud of all our learners and citizens.

“With the Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown, this year has been especially challenging for everyone, but the way our young people have adapted and embraced the changes has been truly remarkable.

“The awards ceremonies have been a wonderful way to recognise and celebrate their hard work and achievements.”

Due to social distancing measures, the events were shown live on Facebook so that people could attend virtually.

The college thanked Presentation Design Services, which volunteered time and equipment to support the event.

Presentation Design Services managing director Gavin Ling said: “Presentation Design Services have been producing Portland’s award ceremony for 18 years. When Portland’s budgets were cut in 2015, we decided that as part of our corporate giving we would continue to work on the event completely free of charge.

“We’ve been supporting the awards ceremony with full technical production ever since and despite the world being turned upside down, there was no reason why this year should be any different.”

Award winners were:

Performing Arts — Jessica Fisher.
Sportsperson of the Year — Rachel Tweedie.
Independent Travel — Lydia Scorah.
Communication — James Kesteven.
Learner/Citizen Voice — Dominic Martin.
Outstanding Customer Service — Nathan Preston.
Enterprise — Darian Mellors.
Contribution to the Local Community — Paul Laking.
Contribution to Portland — Amy-Jayne Cassell.
Employability — Amber Lewin.
Employer of the Year — Lindhurst Engineering.
Distance Learning Achievement — Tyler Daniels.
Independent Living Citizen of the Year — Jordan Godber.
Portland Freedom Citizen of the Year — Connor Stelling.
Adult Learner of the Year — Daksha Martin.
Further Education Learner of the Year — Ryan McDade.