IT IS less than two years since Milada Drapakova fled racist violence in Eastern Europe with her family.

But last night the 16-year-old was among the high achievers presented with accolades at the eighth annual Further Education Awards at King George's Hall, Blackburn.

More than 300 students received certificates with dozens being singled out for praise in a range of awards presented by Rovers star Paul Gallagher.

Milada left the Czech Republic to make a new start in Lancashire. Not only had the 16-year-old, who now lives in Blackburn, had to cope with not speaking any English when she arrived in November 2002, but she has also had to support her mother who has been hospitalised as a result of diabetes.

She won an award for her excellent progress in language development and for her mature and positive attitude.

Milada said: "I came here because there is a lot of discrimination in my country. Members of my family had been beaten up by skinheads many times, so we left for a better life here.

"I like it in Blackburn because I feel very different - I feel safe and accepted. It is good to be around people from so many different countries and cultures."

Milada attended Darwen Vale High School and then Beardwood and even though she has only had 15 months of schooling and learning English, she managed to get four GCSE'S in the summer.

She is now at Blackburn College, studying a course in childcare and hopes to make a career working with children. She said: "I hope to stay and work in Blackburn, like my mum who is now working at my old school, Beardwood. It is really different here as there is lots of support and help. I don't think English students realise how lucky they are."

Principal Ian Clinton, who took over from Sheena Ewing earlier this summer, was looking forward to his first prize night.

In his speech he described pupils' achievement as "remarkable".

"This is the best bit that makes up for the really hard days. It is great to see so many pupils doing well, especially those who seem to just get the bit between their teeth and drive forward to achieve regardless of adversity in their lives.

Another student who has achieved his potential against the odds is 16-year-old Alistair Forsythe.

Alistair, from Blackburn, hit his head in February and was diagnosed with several brain haemorrhages. Despite missing three months of school, he worked hard and achieved eight grade B's and five grade C's in his GCSE's.

He is now studying four A-levels at Blackburn College.

He said: "It was really hard going back to school when I had missed so much, but I worked hard to catch up. I had to stay behind a few nights every week to get back on top of the work and I was disappointed with my end results because I had been predicted A's.

"Now I am here it is a clean slate, I am fully recovered and I am going to prove what I can achieve."

There were several new awards this year - the Modern Apprentice of the Year, the Asian Business Federation Award, the Burn FM Award and the George Miller Cup Prize.

Amber Engle, 21, originally from San Fransisco, received two awards, one for achievement and the other for the Best In Art Exhibition.

She said: "I came here because I wanted to give myself the best chance for my future."