New City College (NCC) has recognised the achievements of its students with an awards night at a top London hotel.

The current crop gathered at the Leonardo Royal London City hotel last Wednesday (October 6) for this year's Student Achievement Awards ceremony.

Some 350 guests – alongside almost 750 watching online – were treated to an inspiring evening centred around themes such as "be yourself" and "be proud of who you are".

Romford Recorder: The special guest was alumni Charles Babalola, an actor best known for his roles in Black Mirror, The Legend of Tarzan and fantasy movie Gretel and Hansel.The special guest was alumni Charles Babalola, an actor best known for his roles in Black Mirror, The Legend of Tarzan and fantasy movie Gretel and Hansel. (Image: New City College)

The special guest was Havering College alumni Charles Babalola, now an actor known for his roles in Black Mirror, The Legend of Tarzan and fantasy movie Gretel and Hansel.

Charles gave a rousing speech before presenting the night's awards, which were hosted by current students Nya Tomlin and Kian Crowley.

Romford Recorder: The awards hosts were current students Nya Tomlin and Kian Crowley.The awards hosts were current students Nya Tomlin and Kian Crowley. (Image: New City College)

Among the winners were Sam Mellows and Asmaa Foudal of Havering Sixth Form and Havering Ardleigh Green respectively.

Romford Recorder: Sam Mellows - winner of the group principal's award for outstanding achievement - pictured with Gerry McDonald and Charles Babalola.Sam Mellows - winner of the group principal's award for outstanding achievement - pictured with Gerry McDonald and Charles Babalola. (Image: New City College)

Sam won the group principal's award for outstanding achievement, while Asmaa won the group principal's award for contribution to college life.

Romford Recorder: Asmaa Foudal - winner of the group principal's award for contribution to college life - pictured with Gerry McDonald and Charles Babalola.Asmaa Foudal - winner of the group principal's award for contribution to college life - pictured with Gerry McDonald and Charles Babalola. (Image: New City College)

Also rewarded was Havering Ardleigh Green student Kurt Vann, who was declared apprentice of the year.

Romford Recorder: Kurt Vann - Havering Ardleigh Green apprentice of the year - and Charles Babalola.Kurt Vann - Havering Ardleigh Green apprentice of the year - and Charles Babalola. (Image: New City College)

NCC principals Alison Arnaud, Janet Smith and Narzny Khan read out glowing testimonials to the winning students, of which there were 44 in total.

The ceremony also offered entertainment, as the performing arts students gave two performances and professional magician Jake Banfield showed off his skills.

Romford Recorder: Performing Arts students performed a medley from The Greatest Showman alongside a dance routine to a selection of Queen hits to end the ceremony.Performing Arts students performed a medley from The Greatest Showman alongside a dance routine to a selection of Queen hits to end the ceremony. (Image: New City College)

NCC chief executive and group principal Gerry McDonald said: "We are immensely proud of all of them. Many will be moving or have moved on to new chapters in their lives and we wish them every success in their next steps.

"I want to pay tribute to my teaching and support staff colleagues who have helped them to reach such high standards of progress and achievement.”

The other winners:

Brook Croker – 14-16 student of the year
Daniella Howell – A Level accounting and business student of the year
Klaudija Lukosiunaite – A Level art and design student of the year
Owen Corcoran – A Level film studies student of the year
Ella Goodspeed – A Level performing arts student of the year
Anas Essaid – Construction student of the year
Spencer Batchelor – Engineering student of the year
Skye Templeton – (Havering Ardleigh Green) hairdressing student of the year
Luke Edwards – Music student of the year
Bethany Lockwood – Public services student of the year
Apple-Jane Hayward – (Havering Sixth Form) sport student of the year