TWO FORMER King s School Students received accolades at an awards ceremony at Exeter College last week. Ben Cann, 16, and Lewis Strawbridge, 17, were jointly awarded Student of the Year for their construction course at the ceremony last Thursday. The pair

TWO FORMER King's School Students received accolades at an awards ceremony at Exeter College last week.

Ben Cann, 16, and Lewis Strawbridge, 17, were jointly awarded Student of the Year for their construction course at the ceremony last Thursday.

The pair, who have been best friends since primary school, attended the college on day release from King's School for the past two years to study for their NVQ level 1 in carpentry and bricklaying.

Lewis, who is now an apprentice at his father's company, said: "I was told by one of the teacher's ages ago that I might win the award but I didn't know for definite so I was really glad when I won it."

Ben, who also works as an apprentice at his family's building company, went onto win the Student of the Year award for the whole of the 14-19 programme, which has over 650 students enrolled on it.

Ben said: "I was only expecting one award so when they read out my name for the bigger award I was very surprised.

"I would like to thank my tutor at Exeter College, Andy Legg, for all the things he taught me."

Ben and Lewis are now studying for an NVQ Level 2 in bricklaying and still attend the college once a week.

Heidi, Ben's mum, is delighted with his success. She said: "We are thrilled and so proud of him.

"He suffers quite badly from dyslexia so this is a great achievement for him.

"We are so grateful for all of the teachers at Kings School and Exeter College."

The pair were praised for their excellent and mature attitude and in particular showed exceptional skills in both carpentry and bricklaying.

A spokesperson for Kings School said: "This is an amazing achievement and we are very proud of both students.

"We wish them both the very best of luck for the future. Well done lads.