BLIND student Eleanor Ridgway was so delighted with her college support team she nominated them for an award.

As a result the 22-years-old from Tyldesley lined up on Tuesday to receive a prize from Princess Anne in London.

Eleanor is a student at the City College in Manchester where she studies Literacy and IT for blind students with the learning support department.

She is also a member of Deafblind UK, a registered charity for people with hearing and visual impairments and earlier this year they sent her an entry form for the Deafblind Friendly Corporate Awards 2004, asking her to nominate the most fitting place she knew.

Eleanor nominated the college's team in West Didsbury, stating: "My tutors and support staff are fantastic. They're interested in me as a person, not as just another blind student. The facilities here are also excellent."

Deafblind UK wrote back with the news that her nomination had fought off stiff competition and was in the shortlist of winners.

The ceremony took place at The Kings Fund in London, where Eleanor and Cordelia Newsome, a City College support tutor, received awards from HRH The Princess Royal, followed by afternoon tea.

Now Eleanor wants to encourage other deaf and blind people in the area to consider going back to study.

She said: "In the future I'd like to get an office job somewhere. Without study and certain skills that wouldn't be possible. I'd recommend everyone with visual and hearing impairments to bite the bullet and go back to college."

For more information on courses and learning support for people with visual impairments and other disabilities, contact Cordelia or Chrissy Harbour on 0161 957 1647.