IAN Pitt must have a desk full of apples as more than a baker's dozen of his BCOT hospitality and catering students nominated him as their Top Tutor.

Ian (pictured above), who describes himself as "a bit of a hard nut with a soft centre", felt overwhelmed at winning the honour.

He said: "It's quite an accolade really because I was nominated by the people I teach.

"But there are a lot of the other staff who deserve the award."

Two of Ian's students, Lindy Darmanin, 40, and 18-year-old Ryan Stacey, who were present at the awards ceremony, said: "Ian has a number of qualities - teamwork is absolutely number one, passion and inspiration along with empathy, and being able to deal with people from different backgrounds and educational needs."

Other nominators said: "Ian has given relentless time, enthusiasm and encouragement to help reach my personal goals" and "his approach to teaching has been inspirational, making learning easy and a pleasure. Not only is he a great chef, but he is a genuinely nice guy and surely an inspiration to other tutors".

FRENCHMAN Loykie Lomin goes beyond his duties as a tutor to ensure his students feel valued and are kept on the right track with their studies.

Nothing is too much trouble for Loykie and no question too trivial.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that one student described him as a "great tutor and true friend".

He said he had found a genuine affinity with his students on the BA in business management at King Alfred's College, and added he was very excited at receiving his runner-up award.

He said: "It's very special because it has come from the students.

"I didn't know they had put forward my name until one of my colleagues informed me that I had been nominated."

"LEARNING is always positive - it can stimulate your present and enhance your future".

That's according to John Rogers, who has worked as a teacher at BCOT for more than 22 years and is now the college's learning manager.

Agapito Estrada, who hails from the Philippines, described John as "The most excellent tutor I've ever met".

Agapito, who is studying an access course at BCOT so he can study nursing at university, said: "He has time for each and everyone in the class.

"He always starts with an enthusiastic mood that makes his classes interesting and lively."