Hartlepool woman Julie Clark, 39, has been chosen as the North East Student of the Year by national qualification provider NCFE.

The award recognises the outstanding achievements of students across the UK.

Julie was left physically disabled after contracting meningitis and had to leave her career as a nurse.

But she was determined to find employment working with children and young people,and enrolled on a course to develop her skills and qualifications.

She said: "It is such a great achievement and confidence boost, it is the best news I have had in a long time. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and the learning style delivered by my tutor Jackie Foster was excellent."

The announcements were made at a national awards ceremony at the Centre for Life in Newcastle. Bianca Kudla, 18, from Redhill in Surrey was named national Student of the Year 2007.

David Grailey, chief executive at NCFE, commented: "All the finalists were exceptional students who demonstrated a real drive to succeed.''