STAFF from local college celebrated following success at annual awards.

"Inspirational" staff from Borders College walked away as the winners of the College Colleague of the Year Award, and were commended in the Sustainability Action Award.

The College Development Network (CDN) Annual Awards recognise the talent, innovation and achievements of colleges, their staff and students over the year.

At this year's awards, Health Care lecturer Evelyn Chelley was announced the winner in the College College of the Year category.

The award recognises college staff who have invested talent and time into their work resulting in a positive impact on the college community.

Ms Chelley was nominated for the award for her dedication to her students and work.

Jane Grant, executive director of enterprise and business innovation at Borders College, said: “We are absolutely thrilled for Evelyn to have won the ‘College Colleague of the Year Award’.

"She is a real inspiration to her staff and students and a great ambassador for Borders College."

As well as her work with the college, Ms Chelley works as a nurse at Borders General Hospital, volunteers with Scottish Mountain Rescue, cares for her mother, and has been an active supporter of the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.

The college also put itself forward for the Sustainability Action Award for the work it has done through its Sustainability Academy.

The college was commended in this category.

Ms Grant added: "To be commended for our Sustainability Academy in the ‘Sustainability Action Award’ category is also something we are extremely proud of.

"The CDN College Awards recognise the talent, skills and achievements of colleges and their staff, and enable us to showcase the impact our College is having on learners, the environment, communities, and on the wider economy.”

The academy was launched in 2021 and was funded through the UK Government's Community Renewal Fund (CRF).

Through the academy the collee can research, develop and deliver training to future leaders and entrepreneurs in natiral capital skils and the green economy.

Training is tailored towards those who are unemployed, older job seekers, micro-business owners.

The college hopes that the academy will help them to contribute to the Scottish Government's target to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.