A former winner of The Apprentice was the guest speaker at an event celebrating the successes of students.

Barking and Dagenham College’s annual Excellence Awards was held last week, and Lee McQueen, winner of series four of BBC1’s The Apprentice spoke at the evening.

He told the crowd: “I’m standing up here telling you my story but tonight, seeing you all and hearing what you have achieved, I am the one who is inspired.”

The Learner of the Year award went to James Nichols, who also won the Hospitality and Food Studies award.

As well as awarding students at the college, the evening also gave other young people the chance to show off their talents.

Food was provided by food studies students, entertainment was organised by music and performing arts pupils and people studying technical theatre controlled lighting, audio and sound.

College principal Cathy Walsh said: “This year’s Excellence Awards was thoroughly enjoyable and inspirational.

“Let’s make this a further year of success and achievement for learners and staff so we have even more to celebrate next year.”

The awards took place last Tuesday at the Broadway in Barking.