TWO University College Worcester students have received a top award at this week's graduation ceremonies.

Daniel Drysdale and Jeremy Hayes have both been awarded the Edexcel Student of the Year Award in recognition of their personal and educational achievements.

UCW nominated the pair for demonstrating outstanding achievements, academically and personally.

Twenty-two-year-old Daniel is originally from West Sussex but has lived in the city for four years since moving to RNIB New College.

He has just completed an HND in Health and Social Care and is now going to take a top-up degree in Social Welfare at UCW.

"I found my course very enjoyable and absolutely loved my time as a student, academically and socially," said Daniel, who is blind.

"I've had lots of support from fellow students and family, especially my grandparents, and now I'm keen to go on and complete my degree."

All of Daniel's reading had to be transcribed into Braille or put on audio tape to enable him to study.

Jeremy, who is 26, was awarded the prize after completing an HND in Outdoor Recreation Management.

He left his full-time job to study.

"I was working as an outdoor recreation instructor but don't regret my decision to improve my qualifications for one minute," said Jeremy, who lives in Worcester.

"I've found staff and students friendly and had a lot of support from my wife.

"I'm surprised and delighted to receive this award."

Jeremy is staying at UCW and has transferred on to the Outdoor Recreation degree programme. He plans to train as a teacher specialising in outdoor recreation.