Louise Payne, 18, was one of a group of students from Tresham Institute who received awards as part of Vocational Qualifications Day.

Yesterday the college handed out certificates to some of its VQ heroes for their hard work and for overcoming difficulties during the year.

Miss Payne, started a childcare and education certificate in September but was forced to spend three months at home after becoming ill.

She went on to catch up with all of her work and achieved an overall distinction.

She said: "At first I didn't realise how long I was going to be at home for.

"When I found out it was going to be about three months I was worried it was going to affect my studying and if I would be able to carry on.

"The tutors were a huge help and would send me work to do at home, I was determined to carry on and I'm very happy to achieve the certificate and get the recognition.

"I'm very proud of what I've achieved."

Miss Payne plans to carry on to the second year certificate next year.

Her tutor, Marie Panter, paid tribute to Miss Payne's hard work and dedication.

She said: "Because of her serious illness Louise was at home, on heavy medication.

"It was a long recovery process and she did very well to catch up on her assignments."

More than 3.6m vocational qualifications were awarded across the country last year and Tresham Institute offers a range of NVQ qualifications.

Other Tresham VQ Hero Award winners include single mum Stephanie Colgan who has been studying for a BTEC first diploma for IT practitioners.

Miss Colgan, 21, has a 100 per cent attendance record and completed all her units to merit and distinction standards.

She said: "It feels a privilege to the get the award and I'm very happy.

"It has been difficult at times, especially with a two year old.

"My tutors and my family have been really supportive and I want to eventually work towards doing a degree."

Tresham principal Mark Silverman paid tribute to the hard work of all NVQ pupils.

He said: "The day was about our VQ heroes. Too often A levels and GCSEs take most of the limelight but here at Tresham we have a range of vocational courses and the students here are just a handful who have done really well.

"They have excelled and we are proud of their achievements."

Other notable students were Zoe Burdon, 17, who was commended for managing her studies after helping her mother care for her niece and mother-of-four Amanda McCoy who has been studying for an NVQ in beauty therapy.

The 43-year-old returned to full-time education after a long career in nursing and spent most of her time studying after her children had gone to bed.