A former Craven College student who went on to be named Nurse of the Year has received another prestigious award.

Justine Whitaker was one of six, including television presenter Gok Wan, to receive a gold award from the Association of Colleges (AoC).

The awards recognise the vital role of further education in the careers of the winners. A presentation ceremony was held at the House of Commons.

Justine, formerly of Sutton-in-Craven, who now runs Northern Lymphology in Lancashire, was nominated for the accolade by Craven College.

She said: “Craven College began my formal training as a nurse and allowed me to gain confidence in my skills.

“I am proud to have won a gold award and would like to thank Craven College for their support through college and since.”

Justine developed the Whitaker Pouch, designed to help men with swollen scrotums due to prostate cancer.

Her invention has already helped thousands of men nationally and could potentially help 25 million men in Africa and India who suffer from Filariasis (elephantiasis).

Craven College principal Alan Blackwell said: “To develop an idea that is now being produced to help men internationally is phenomenal and I am immensely proud that Craven College helped kick start a hugely successful career.”