COLLEGE students are celebrating after winning a national democracy award.

Derwen College Students' Union board won the Democratic Award at the National Union of Students (NUS) Awards.

The trophy recognises unions that have demonstrated and strengthened their commitment to ensuring that students' voices are heard.

The NUS Awards were held at the organisation's annual conference in Glasgow.

The specialist college for young people with physical and learning disabilities made the shortlist of eight for the Democratic Award and was up against mainstream universities including Student Unions at Aberystywth University, Bath Spa University, University of Bristol and University of Salford.

The college was praised for its work in implementing democracy workshops where learners discussed having a voice and impacting change through the democratic process, particularly regarding board elections.

Sarah Lazlo, Derwen College’s learner voice co-ordinator, was also named as runner-up in the Simpson King Staff Achievement Award, which recognises staff members that have lived the values of and contributed to the wider student movement.

The judging panel said: “We felt that Sarah was a nominee who embodied the values of our movement. Her commitment to learner voice and to students has made a great difference to the college and made a lasting impact on our movement.”

Sarah Laszlo said she was proud of the achievements of Derwen College’s Student Union Board over the past year, and delighted that their work had been recognised by the NUS.