WILMSLOW resident and Abbey College Manchester student Priya Ana Manrai was presented with two prestigious awards at a ceremony held at the Iconic Manchester Town Hall.

Priya, 17, of Knightsbridge Close, received the much coveted Progress and Community Awards for her incredible development and her involvement and contribution to college activities at the event held on Wednesday, May 4.

The event was a celebration of the accomplishments of the students due to graduate this summer and to look back on various highlights throughout the year. Awards were then given to those individuals who made some outstanding achievements in the academic year.

Guest of honour Graham Able, the deputy chairman of the Alpha Plus Group joined the celebrations and presented the awards and certificates.

The legendary Abbey College Manchester band also provided some excellent entertainment with a variety of stunning vocals and instrumental performances.

The Business BTEC and A-Level Spanish student was presented with the awards in front of 180 of her peers, staff and parents.

Priya, who has received offers to study International Relations and Spanish at the University of Leeds and Nottingham Trent University, said: “I am honoured to have received two awards. Abbey College Manchester has helped me to identify my skills and figure out what I would like to do as a career.

"The teachers have supported me every step of the way and I will miss them and all my peers, but I am looking forward to what the future holds.”

Principal Liz Elam said: “Priya is a highly intellectual individual with a lot of ambition. She works hard to achieve her goals whilst being deeply involved with college community.

"She is a delightful young lady who offers support to everyone and was very deserving of both awards. She will go on to do great things and we wish her the best.

“I was so pleased so many people came to the event because it was a time to come together and celebrate the hard work and achievements of the students. It was a special night and I wish the class of 2016 the best of luck.”

There are around 230 students at the college, 75 per cent of whom are from the local area with the remainder from other countries. Most students are undertaking A Level programmes with the remainder studying BTEC courses or GCSEs.