STAFF at Abingdon and Witney College had their talents recognised when the institution was handed a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its horse industry training programme.

The award, which was handed out by educational charity the Royal Anniversary Trust, recognised the work the college has done on the programme, as well as on the commercial breeding of thoroughbred horses.

It is the only further education college in the country to have a well-established and working thoroughbred stud and offers equine training from entry level to honours degrees.

It came just days after the college was awarded an Association of Colleges Beacon Award for its work developing the skills its students need to succeed in the workplace.

College principal Teresa Kelly said: “We are absolutely delighted to be awarded in this way.

“It is such an honour to be recognised in this way and truly represents the hard work, dedication and innovation of all our staff, students and employer partners in the equine industry.”

The prizes are awarded every two years to universities and colleges which submit work judged to show excellence, innovation, impact and benefit for the institution itself as well as for people and society generally.