Former Boro star turned Hartlepool Manager Craig Hignett has been helping to celebrate the achievements of Sports and Public Services students in Billingham.

The football favourite gave the students' end of year awards ceremony the VIP feel by popping in to present the accolades to the youngsters from SRC Bede Sixth Form.

Having recently brought his Reds Academy to the students' own training ground, the SRC Sports Centre in Billingham, Craig said: "For me, it is so important to be able to give something back."

Working with sports people of all levels, he knows the value and importance of positive feedback.

"For youngsters the message should always be positive," he said. And that's a technique he certainly takes into coaching the young members of the Reds Academy.

Delighted to have the Hartlepool manager take time out of his busy schedule to attend the awards ceremony, SRC Bede's Sports Lecturer Tor Black said: "As a successful sportsperson from this area, who has not only been a professional footballer for our local teams but has now moved in to management, Craig Hignett is an example to our students of what you can aspire to."

SRC Bede Sixth Form's annual Sports and Public Services Awards recognise the achievements of the students throughout the academic year.

Some 40 plus students received awards at this year's event, including top awards for Public Services Student of the Year, Lauren Bewick, and Sports Student of the Year, Emily Good.

Emily, 18, who earlier this year also won Stockton Council's Young Volunteer of the Year, said: "It feels really good to win this award." Planning to continue her studies at Durham University she added: "I've really enjoyed my course and while it feels sad to be leaving I am looking forward to starting university and really appreciate all the help and support I have had from my tutors who have believed in me from the start."