A COLLEGE held its first award ceremony to celebrate the importance of partnership work.

Nelson and Colne College's (NCC) Industry and Employer Awards, held at Turf Moor, brought together businesses, charities and public organisations.

Entertainment was provided by opera singer Sean Ruane while guests were treated to a two-course meal.

Speeches were given by principal Amanda Melton, Neil Hart, chief executive officer of Burnley FC in the Community, and NCC’s chairman of the board of corporation Stephen Barnes.

Vice Principal of NCC Alison Rushton and director of apprenticeships and training Barbara Livesey read out inspiring stories of all the award winners and presented the prizes.

Ms Rushton said: "The Industry and Employer Awards night was a fabulous celebration of our partnerships and was the perfect way for the college to say thank you to individuals, businesses and organisations that we have worked closely with in recent years.

"All of our winners are shining examples of having a dedication to education, either through taking on apprentices, volunteers, or work experience candidates, going through an apprenticeship themselves, inspiring young people, or giving up time to support the college at major events in our calendar, such as our work inspirations event."

Mr Hart, who collected the Community Partnership Award, said: "It was a pleasure to receive this award and it is testament to the hard work of everyone at Burnley FC in the Community.

"We formed the partnership with Nelson and Colne College in May 2015 to create the BFC Shadow Youth Team, combining our respective expertise in both sport and education.

"As not only a local leader in higher education but a college that is nationally recognised for its excellence, we knew that NCC was an education provider we wanted to work with – merging that academic brilliance with the inspirational status of our own premier league football club."

The full list of winners are

The 'Giving Back' Award (Micro) – Chris Pugh Photography

Apprentice Employer of the Year (Micro) – Kellie Hughes Hair Studio

Charity Partner Award ‘The Student Task Force’ – Canal & River Trust

Work Experience Partnership Award – Provincial Engineering

Creative Impact in Education Award – Concept4

Management Apprentice Impact Award – Sandra Shaw, Castle Supported Living

‘Social Profit’ Partnership Award – Calico

The ‘Giving Back Award (Large Business) – Silentnight

Work Experience Partnership Award – Pendleside Hospice

Apprentice Employer of the Year (SME) – Pendle Engineering

Employer Partnership Award – Seafood Pub Company

Apprentice Employer of the Year (Large) – Pendle Borough Council

Innovation in Partnership Award – East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

Charity Partner Award ‘Reaching Out to Young People’ – Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service

Community Partnership Award – Burnley FC in the Community