Two Leicester College learners were among the winners at the Leicester Mercury’s Young Achiever Awards 2013 which were held on Thursday 5 December 2013.

Adele Tilley, a former Access to Business learner, was named not only as the overall Student of the Year, but also won in the Undergraduate category.

The single mum-of-two was among hundreds of entrants who were nominated for an award at the ceremony, which was held at the King Power Stadium.

The Awards were held to recognise the good work and achievements of young people across the county.

Adele said she was stunned she had won. She said: “I am absolutely elated I wasn’t expecting this – there are so many other deserving nominees. Many who have achieved so much more academically than myself. I can’t believe I’ve won.”

Adele, who grew up in care and then escaped an abusive relationship, was left to bring up her children as a single mum.

She said: “I knew I had to get a better education for the sake of my children and give them a better future. It’s all been worth the hard work for me.”

She said: “Coming to Leicester College has really changed my life around. I had such great support from staff and tutors and it’s thanks to the College I’m where I am today.”

She decided to go back into education to sit her GCSE English and maths exams before taking an Access to Higher Education Diploma at Leicester College in 2011.

She is now studying for a Masters Degree in Business at De Montfort University and hopes to set up her own business in the future.

Leicester College also celebrated Print Apprentice, Sam Molyneux, who won the Apprenticeship Achievement Award. Bricklaying Apprentice, Tom Sinfield was also nominated in the same category.

Sam said: “I feel like I’ve achieved a lot. I can’t thank everyone enough for the support. Winning means a lot to me, just being nominated was an honour. I’ve worked really hard and I don’t normally admit that, so winning is quite nice.”