ADVENTURER Ben Fogle urged students to seize life's exciting opportunities when he visited Bishop Burton College to present awards.
The writer, broadcaster and adventurer was the guest speaker at the college's further education presentation ceremony yesterday.
Well known as the presenter of TV programmes including Animal Park, Countryfile and Crufts, Ben has also crossed the Sahara Desert and Antarctica and rowed across the Atlantic.
He was given a college tour by principal Jeanette Dawson and was impressed with what he saw.
He said: "Everything here at Bishop Burton College represents all areas of my work – agriculture, rural affairs, wildlife, sport and adventure, it's like a one-stop shop for all of the things I do.
"It's a working farm and I don't really think you can beat hands-on experience."
Ben insisted students must now make the best of their qualifications.
He said: "The fact that these students have made the commitment to be here in the first place and they have these qualifications couldn't really be a better start.
"From now on it's about seizing opportunities and using your determination and creativity.
"This is an exciting time in life, it's the beginning of a bumpy, exciting road."
Mrs Dawson said: "Ben is interested in agriculture, the countryside, animals, sport and design – everything we are involved in.
"Our students work hard and I think they are worthy of someone of Ben's stature coming here as an inspirational speaker.
"Our students deserve it, that's why we bring celebrity speakers here to present them with their awards, it's a cause for celebration."
More than 1,000 full-time students have completed their studies at the college, including 200 who graduated earlier in the week.
Mrs Dawson said: "It has been an excellent year for the college and all its students.
"Eighteen courses have 100 per cent retention, and 30 courses have 100 per cent achievement.
"In addition, some of our courses have achievement of the main qualification and a range of industry specific additional qualifications."
The college's premier further education student of the year was Charlotte Dodds, 18, who studied a level three BTec extended diploma in sport.
She was nominated for her exemplary attitude to study and is expected to achieve top grades.
Charlotte said: "I think this course is amazing, I would sit the two years again."
She has been accepted on to a degree course at the college.
Other award winners included Andrew Marwood (best worker on the farm); Craig Carr (progress award, animal care); Lindsay McDonald (progress award, horse management); Joe Morland (best student, animal husbandry); Simone Christopher (best student, equine practical unit); Matt Gallantree (contribution to animal management).
