Portland learners light up ceremony

Winners at the Portland College Awards Day.

Learners celebrated their achievements over the last academic year in front of their friends, family, peers and staff members.

The ceremony also honoured the college’s Volunteer of the Year, plus a staff member who has proven their commitment to lifetime learning.

VIP guests at the ceremony and lunch reception included representatives from headline sponsor of the event, AIM Awards, the chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, coun Pauline Allen and her consort, award sponsors Stagecoach Travel, Lasting Impressions, Eco Fuels, Mansfield 103.2, Hucknall Rotary Club and Brunts Academy.

Guest of Honour, Shane Bratby, presented each learner with their award on stage following a citation read out by Master of Ceremonies and the college’s principal and chief executive, Mark Dale.

Bratby gave a speech at the beginning of the ceremony which detailed his own struggle with his disability and how he overcame his difficulties to set up his own businesses.