A student who overcame health issues and another who competed at a WorldSkills competition was among the winners at an annual awards ceremony at an Ipswich college.

A total of 34 awards were handed out as Suffolk New College celebrated top performing students.

Before the awards were given out, new principal and CEO of Suffolk New College, Alan Pease, paid tribute to former principal Viv Gillespie who passed away earlier this year.

He also spoke about two new projects at the college, including a new health centre with a mock hospital ward and a farm shop that will open at the college later this year.

East Anglian Daily Times: Principal and CEO of Suffolk New College, Alan Pease. Credit: Suffolk New CollegePrincipal and CEO of Suffolk New College, Alan Pease. Credit: Suffolk New College (Image: Suffolk New College)

One of those that won an award, was Elmswell 17-year-old Josh Wearing, who overcame visual impairment and epilepsy to win top sports performer.

He said: "I wasn't expecting this.

"The support of tutors has been the highlight of my time at the college."

Josh is now getting ready to go to the University of Bedford to study sport.

East Anglian Daily Times: Brian and Josh Wearing. Credit: Suffolk New CollegeBrian and Josh Wearing. Credit: Suffolk New College (Image: Suffolk New College)

His dad, Brian, said: "This is beyond my wildest dreams that he could have got this far and go to university."

Another winner was Angel Kelly, 17, from Ipswich.

She competed at a national competition called WorldSkills, and won top beauty student.

East Anglian Daily Times: Angel Kelly with her mum Araina. Credit: Suffolk New CollegeAngel Kelly with her mum Araina. Credit: Suffolk New College (Image: Suffolk New College)

Other winners included Bailey Barter, 18, Leo Banfield, 16, and Sharna McSheen, 17, winning the motor vehicle student, engineering student and business student awards respectively.

Hannah Burman, 17 from Kesgrave, says she has hopes of performing on the West End after winning the performing arts student of the year award.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hannah Burnam (left) has hopes of West End. Credit: Suffolk New CollegeHannah Burnam (left) has hopes of West End. Credit: Suffolk New College (Image: Suffolk New College)

She said: "I am excited and thankful to win the award.

"I believe I can achieve my goal of West End by coming to this college."

All winners received prizes or cash worth up to £150, along with a certificate.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sharna McSheen (top left), Leo Banfield (top right), Bailey Barter and mum, Claire Ball (bottom left) and catering student of the year, Evie Legrice (bottom right). Credit: Suffolk New CollegeSharna McSheen (top left), Leo Banfield (top right), Bailey Barter and mum, Claire Ball (bottom left) and catering student of the year, Evie Legrice (bottom right). Credit: Suffolk New College (Image: Suffolk New College)

East Anglian Daily Times: Kindi Bah, ESOL student of the year with head of ESOL, Suzy Haynes. Credit: Suffolk New CollegeKindi Bah, ESOL student of the year with head of ESOL, Suzy Haynes. Credit: Suffolk New College (Image: Suffolk New College)