Students from Uxbridge College were honoured for their achievements with awards presented by young inventor Ruth Amos.

At the age of 15 Ruth came up with an alternative to the famous stairlift for elderly and disabled people, with her cost-effective ‘StairSteady’. She set up a company producing and installing it and has gone on to establish a number of other businesses too.

Students collecting awards on the night included overall winner Aneta Walczak, who received the Super Star Award, sponsored by Lloyds Bank Commercial.

Aneta, 19, joined Uxbridge College to study Health and Social Care three years ago and had to learn English alongside doing her course as it was not her first language. Despite some considerable personal trials, she has stuck at her studies, completing a Level 3 qualification – equivalent to A levels – and winning a place at St Mary’s University to study Psychology.

Other winners included:

Dean Trevallion-Coole, 18, from Uxbridge, winner of the Star Award for Business. Dean moved out of his supportive foster home and in to independent accommodation during his studies, but has always maintained high standards regardless of what’s been going on his life. He achieved Distinctions in 8 out of 9 units on his BTEC Level 3 in Business, as well as taking on the role of deputy tutor rep. He is always willing to help his peers and staff, and is highly regarded by all who know him.

Nadeyne Lewis, 18, of Hayes, winner of the Star Award for Creative Studies. A performing arts student who is now going to university to study drama, Nadeyne worked like an industry professional throughout her course, achieving triple distinctions in her BTEC qualification. She took part in performances at college and in the community, including as a performer in The Wardrobe, which saw Uxbridge College as a close contender to appear at The National Theatre.

Christopher McSorley, 20, from Ruislip, winner of the Star Award in Engineering (Technology and Innovation). Christopher is an apprentice at Mercedes who has excelled in both his academic and practical work. He passed all his exams with distinctions and is highly valued at work where he is trusted to work independently as well as being an excellent team member.

Ailda Kaca, 18, of Hayes, winner of the Star Award in English Language and Foundation Studies. Ailda came onto the course after entering the UK from Albania in some difficult circumstances, and being looked after in care. She has shown great tenacity, making very good progress in her language studies, as well as supporting and encouraging her classmates. She plans to become a social worker.

Achievers of all ages celebrated with friends, family and staff at Uxbridge College’s Annual Awards Ceremony 2014 on September 18, at The Beck Theatre in Grange Road, Hayes.

The winners were chosen from among the 10,000 full-time and part-time students at the College, which has campuses in Uxbridge and Hayes.

Special guest Ruth talked about her career and presented the awards, as well as meeting students afterwards. Ruth, 24, designed and developed StairSteady as part of a GCSE design and technology project. She attached a sliding metal bar to a stair rail which users could hold on to as they went up and down the stairs. After establishing a business to make the product, she went on to set up several other companies and has won numerous business and engineering awards.

Principal of Uxbridge College, Laraine Smith OBE, said: “While every one of Uxbridge College’s 10,000 students has something to be proud of, our Annual Awards honour some of those we feel have shone the brightest. I would like to congratulate all our winners, for their success in their studies and for their tenacity in making this possible when they may have faced difficulties or obstacles. I have no doubt that all our award winners looks forward to a bright future having made such excellent use of their opportunities at college.”