A 21-YEAR-OLD Bradford man who has ambitions of becoming a police officer has been named a national student of the year.

Michal Kolanski came to live in the UK from Poland five years ago to be with his father.

He took a course in English and then enrolled at Craven College in Skipton to take GCSEs before following a public services course in his bid to join the police.

Now, Michal has been named the National Association of College’s (AoC) student of the year, for those aged 19 or more.

Michal, who received his award from impressionist and comedian Jon Culshaw at the ceremony in Birmingham, said: “I was shocked, overwhelmed and delighted to receive the award.

“I feel particularly humbled as the competition was so strong and one of the highlights of the evening for me was meeting Louis Rolfe the Paralympic cyclist who was also in my category and was so inspiring.

“I am determined to follow my dream to join the West Yorkshire Police and hope that this award will help my application.”

Michal travelled to the AoC annual conference gala dinner with his girlfriend, Marta Olesinska and public service tutors Bridget Slater and Fran Simpson.

He has twice been named a Craven College student of the year and has worked with students with learning disabilities.

He has also worked with the homeless, helping as an interpreter, and has been a community volunteer with West Yorkshire Police.

He is now due to attend a student of the year reception at the House of Commons tomorrow hosted by MP Peter Kyle, chairman of the all-party further education and life long learning group.

Ian Ashman, president of the Association of Colleges, said: “Michal has shown great determination to continue his education both in England and previously in Poland.

“He has shown a great commitment to helping his local community in his volunteering with the police and I congratulate him on winning the student of the year award for over-19s.”

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