A NORTHWICH student was one of just 20 lucky young people to have his achievements honoured by Dame Kelly Holmes.

Mid Cheshire College IT and English student Jamie Baker, 19, attended the event following the end of the second year of the Unlocking Potential Programme – run jointly with the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust and funded by AQA.

The event in central London saw the young people, who were nominated by their teachers, presented with certificates to celebrate their outstanding achievements.

They were praised by Dame Kelly Holmes and Andrew Hall, chief executive of AQA.

Dame Kelly Holmes said:"It's fantastic to see how much these young people have achieved over the last year through the Unlocking Potential programme.

“The young people here have had the support of their teachers and have been mentored by top athletes from my charity, helping them to flourish. I wish each and every one of them all the best for the future as they go on to be the best they can be."

The last year has seen them work with elite athletes as part of an intensive mentoring scheme which supports them while they deliver a range of local project benefiting their communities.

Anderton resident Jamie chose The Turning Point Access Centre for his project, helping to transform the gardens outside the building.

Despite spending 12 years in foster care, Jamie’s commitment to his college courses, exceptional attendance record and hard work enabled his English tutor to promote his nomination.

The unique programme pairs students with champion athletes as part of a mentoring scheme to recognise and develop their full potential. Jamie’s mentor was former champion skateboarder, Neil Danns.