A TOWN college student has been recognised in a national awards as an "exceptional learner".

Lucas Reynard, who studies at Eastleigh College, was selected by judges as the winner of the "Against All Odds" category in this years NCFE Aspiration Awards.

The 19-year-old was said to have an unsettled home life whilst at school meaning his ability wasn’t fully harnessed and support was lacking when he moved to college for the first time.

Two years ago he switched colleges and enrolled on the NCFE Public Services course at where he is said to have "dug deep, used admirable inner strength and truly thrived".

Currently working at the college as an intern processing applications for people wishing to enrol, Lucas was one of several learners who volunteered to work in the Eastleigh College Covid Testing Centre.

During his course he supported his peers by leading the Level 2 bi-weekly drill for 10 weeks and in his own time, mentored others, passing on the knowledge he has gained from his studies.

In addition to volunteering around 100 hours in the Testing Centre, Lucas undertook a project for Hampshire Constabulary, helped at a charity centre for people with learning disabilities.

He was also the college’s Learner Governor representing over 1,000 learners.

Having won the award, Lucas has now been awarded with a £250 prize to help him as he moves to university.

He said: "Winning this award means everything to me. It feels amazing to know that my efforts have been recognised, and I’m so glad I motivated myself to keep going despite the circumstances.

"Using this prize will help make my ventures into university much easier, which is more than I could ever hope for.”

Now 19, Lucas is looking forward to university. His consistent high quality college work has resulted in an unconditional offer to study Cyber Security at the University of Bournemouth. His ambition is to join the Border Force.