A Radio 1 DJ and Strictly Come Dancing star honoured two Harrow students for their achievements at an awards night.

Achievers of all ages celebrated with friends, family and staff at Uxbridge College’s Annual Awards on 17 September, with Harrow women Eloise Newman and Samantha Demascio taking homes prizes.

Sports lecturer Eloise Newman, 26, of Harrow, was chosen for the Teacher Education and Continuing Professional Development Star Award after completing her teacher training while working at the college.

A spokesman for the college said: “Her professionalism, commitment and special gift for teaching has not only led to excellent results in her teaching qualification, but made a big difference to those around her - her approach to teaching has changed the way sports lessons are taught at college.

“She also represented the college at an important annual teacher training conference and will see her research published in a professional journal.”

Meanwhile Samantha Demascio, who lives in Pinner, was chosen for the Foundation Studies Star Award.

She had been referred to a skills course at the college by Harrow Job Centre after a long period of unemployment.

As part of her course, she joined a World of Work tour of Xerox, Uxbridge, where she expressed an interest in the company despite not having the qualifications to join their apprenticeship scheme.

Two weeks later however her team leader at college received an email from the company saying how 'captivated' they were by her enthusiasm and inviting her to interview.

The 19-year-old went on to secure a full time job in their catering and hospitality department, where she is now referred to by staff as their “success story”.

Special guest Scott Mills, known for his award-winning weekday radio show on BBC Radio 1, handed out awards on the night before giving a talk about his radio and media career.

Plumbing student Flavius-Andrei Avram from Edgware also received a star award at the annual awards night.

Teachers praised the 17-year-old for his hard work, and for refusing to allow the fact English is his second language to be a barrier.

Principal of Uxbridge College, Laraine Smith OBE, said: “I would like to congratulate all our winners. Their stories are humbling and inspiring and remind us all about what can be achieved through education.

“At Uxbridge College we want all our learners to have the best chance possible to meet their bigger goals in life, and our award winners are all success stories.”