STUDENTS at Bradford College who have clocked up thousands of hours of volunteering between them have been recognised with awards.

Principal David Harwood handed out certificates to dedicated students who have taken part in the College’s Plus scheme designed to help students build skills for work and life.

The students, who collected bronze, silver or gold awards depending on the level of extracurricular activity completed, were the first to graduate from the programme that was launched by the college last year.

Uzma Akhtar, 18 (pictured) earned a gold award after registering 400 hours of service including working at the Police Camps the college runs for youngsters aged 9 to 15 years during school holidays.

The teenager, who is soon to start training to be a special constable with West Yorkshire Police, also carried out work experience with the college’s security staff.

She said: “Bradford College Plus is a great scheme and I would encourage all students to get involved.

“It gives you a chance to be recognised and prove what you have done beyond the curriculum. It is great to have something that you can show potential employers to make you stand out from other applicants.”

“I enjoyed giving back to the college and helping other students and I am very proud to have this certificate.”

Iram Khan, 18, who is studying HNC Beauty Management, was also among the gold award winners having qualified by, among other things, volunteering on a residential trip to the Lake District and mentoring younger students.

Principal Harwood said: “It is incredibly pleasing to see this first group of students receive their awards. They have all worked very hard in a huge variety of different areas and ways.

“When these students go on to apply for a job or for further studies, not only will they have the qualifications they achieve at Bradford College but they will also be able to talk about the volunteering they did and extra effort they put into college life.

“These certificates can provide evidence of attitudes and skills that prospective employers are looking for such as leadership skills, the ability to work in a team, social responsibility and dedication.”