A KINGSWINFORD student with severe speech and language difficulties has been awarded for her hard work and determination.

Hollie Southall, aged 22, who is currently studying horticulture at the Stourbridge and Kidderminster campuses of Birmingham Metropolitan College, received two honours at the college's annual STAR Awards.

She was presented with the awards - one for the Foundation Learning category and the other for Learner of the Year for Foundation Learning Vocational Programmes - at a ceremony held at the college’s Matthew Boulton campus in Birmingham.

Lecturer, Tim Bashford, nominated Hollie for her willingness to help others and after hearing glowing feedback from staff at Green Meadow Animal Sanctuary in Pattingham, where she is currently completing a work placement.

Mr Bashford said: “Hollie is very helpful and caring towards others. She is always first to assist new students and ready to try new tasks. She’s also highly thought of at her work placement where she attends one day a week. I thought she was an ideal candidate to pick up a STAR award and the whole team in foundation learning is delighted that she also picked up the Learner of the Year Award for our category. ”

Hollie's mother, Kim Southall, added: “I’m so proud of Hollie’s achievement. It’s been a long journey for her because her speech and language difficulty has impacted on all aspects of her educational and social development.

"We’re all delighted that her hard work and efforts have been recognised by the college and we’re so proud of her achievements.”

Hollie said she was "really pleased" with her awards and was presented with a trophy, certificate and a £50 Amazon gift voucher by local weather girl, Emma Jesson, who hosted the event.