CRAVEN College has topped the 1,000 mark of full-time students for the first time.

And with a part-time roll of 8,000 students, principal Alan Blackwell, said the college was now in the top 10 per cent in the country.

But life is getting harder for students said Mr Blackwell, with day release from a job to attend college becoming increasingly rare.

Speaking at the college's second awards night, this time for higher education students, Mr Blackwell paid tribute to the stamina, diligence and dedication of students who graduated.

"A few years ago a part-time course at a college meant a day off work," he said. "Now it could mean attending for three to four hours. Sometimes twice a week after a hard day's slog at work.

"It's tough, a lot tougher than for most of the staff and governors in our day. So we realise it is tough, it is difficult."

The college has a high retention rate with less than eight per cent dropping out and a high "student achievement rate" - more than 90 per cent conclude their studies and achieve the qualification they set out for.

Mr Blackwell said the success was due to its professional and dedicated staff and the partnerships forged by the college with local industries and organisations.

Among them is Leeds-Bradford airport. The college has opened a training centre to provide students with skills needed in the aviation and tourism industry.