A young tree surgeon who underwent heart surgery is among the winners announced during an evening of celebration at a Suffolk college. 

Suffolk New College hosted its yearly awards which honours and celebrates the "outstanding" year and the class of 2024. 

James Horswill was one of these winners, who underwent a "life-threatening" experience when he needed heart surgery in September 2023.

James Horswill, 18, from Stowmarket overcame heart surgery last year and went on to win tree surgeon of the yearJames Horswill, 18, from Stowmarket overcame heart surgery last year and went on to win tree surgeon of the year (Image: Suffolk New College)

The 18-year-old from Stowmarket said: "I had an ablation and my heart had a faulty pump.

"It was somewhat life-threatening.

"I'm ok now and can carry on being myself with no worries at all. I enjoy life to the fullest."

James Horswill who overcame heart surgery picks up his award for top tree surgeon studentJames Horswill who overcame heart surgery picks up his award for top tree surgeon student (Image: Suffolk New College)

James, who studied at Suffolk Rural, was given the arboriculture student of the year accolade, something he said he was "shocked, thankful and grateful" to win.

He is going to work for former students the Gadd Brothers and their tree and landscapes business in Bury St Edmunds.

Another student to win was 17-year-old George Hall from Ipswich who won the top college learner in English and painting and decorating.

George Hall with his proud mum at the Suffolk New College awards - George won two awards - he also learnt some British Sign Language phrases during his course so he could communicate with a classmateGeorge Hall with his proud mum at the Suffolk New College awards - George won two awards - he also learnt some British Sign Language phrases during his course so he could communicate with a classmate (Image: Suffolk New College)

He taught himself some phrases in British Sign Language so he could communicate with a classmate during lessons.

He said: "I thought it would be nice so I learnt a few basics - a little goes a long way."

Mum of two Sarah Pearson, 52 from Ipswich, won the hairdresser of the year award after initially working in catering.

Sarah Pearson went from catering, to caring to cutting and won hairdresser of the year at the Suffolk New College student awardsSarah Pearson went from catering, to caring to cutting and won hairdresser of the year at the Suffolk New College student awards (Image: Suffolk New College)

Twin brothers Sam and Lewis Cox also won awards in their respective fields of plumbing and automotive.

Alan Pease, principal and CEO of Suffolk New College, said: "It's an honour and a privilege to work for Suffolk New College and I'm proud to be principal and CEO of this amazing organisation.

The Mayor of Ipswich - Elango Elavalakan with Principal and CEO of Suffolk New College at the annual student awards and showcaseThe Mayor of Ipswich - Elango Elavalakan with Principal and CEO of Suffolk New College at the annual student awards and showcase (Image: Suffolk New College)

"It's been an outstanding year and this event is a fantastic way to celebrate our many successes."

A total of 32 awards were handed out over the course of the evening.

Santiago Page-Villanueva volunteered at a primary school for 18 months as a PE teacher and won sports student of the year at the annual Suffolk New College awardsSantiago Page-Villanueva volunteered at a primary school for 18 months as a PE teacher and won sports student of the year at the annual Suffolk New College awards (Image: Suffolk New College)