A local Carshalton student was selected out of thousands of applicants to win a national educational award.

Laura Smith, of Coulsdon Sixth Form College, has been recognised as Outstanding BTEC Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Student of the Year 2017 at the national BTEC Awards.

Thousands of applications were received by this year’s judging panel, out of which 22 candidates were selected.

Winners were unveiled at a ceremony last Friday (July 7) at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London with a reception in Parliament attended by several MPs.

Laura said: “I was really surprised to win the award and did not expect to get this far.

“I try to work hard at the college and this has been great recognition of all the hard work I have put in during my course.

“The support and resources I have received from the college and my teacher, Donna Hollick, has been brilliant, especially the college’s link with the No1 Lounge at Gatwick Airport where I am now employed.

“I am looking forward to continuing my career in travel once I leave this summer."

The overall recipient of the BTEC Student of the Year award was revealed at the ceremony by BBC television presenter and journalist, Steph McGovern.

Laura arrived at Coulsdon Sixth Form College from Stanley Park High School in Carshalton and took on a mix and match programme which included A Level Sociology and BTECs in Travel & Tourism and Law.

She was nominated by her teacher, Donna Hollick, who wanted to recognise her hard work throughout the year.