Award winning students were praised for climbing their own “mountain” with the help of their “sherpas” at a celebratory event last night.

The students from Havering College heard of the exploits of special guest, adventurer James “Ketch” Ketchell, from climbing Everest, to rowing the Atlantic and cycling across the world.

James kept the audience at Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, rapt as he told of the trials and tribulations of his adventures.

And after James presented awards to inspirational learners, while listening avidly to their citations, college chairman of governors Stan Rose had his own message to the students.

Mr Rose told them so many had climbed their own mountains – some by simply taking courses – and with the help of their “sherpas”, or parents and tutors, had achieved so much.