THE accolades were flying with the party poppers when students from Foxes Academy celebrated their graduation.

The end-of-year event for the Minehead-based training hotel for young adults with learning difficulties was held at the town's Butlins holiday centre.

Welcome speeches from college principal Vanessa Cleere and admissions and hotel executive Kerry McCarthy were followed by the guest speaker Rosa Monkton.

Rosa, a journalist, radio and television broadcaster and businesswoman, is a campaigner for people with disabilities and has a daughter, Domenica, with Down's syndrome.

She is married to journalist Dominic Lawson, brother of celebrity chef Nigella, and is also a patron of the Diana Trust, reflecting her close friendship with the late Princess of Wales who was godmother to Domenica.

Rosa's speech was described as inspirational and humorous, drawing on her personal experience of people with learning disabilities and her belief in supporting them to have full and active lives in employment and independent living.

The graduation ceremony also celebrated the fundraising efforts of students, who over the last year have raised £4,000 for charities.

Events have included a sponsored fun run for a cancer unit in Lithuania, a sponsored walk for the RNLI and an open day and swimathon for the Moorland Mousie Trust.

In addition, they have held a tea party for the Downs Syndrome Association, a 'job swap' day for Children in Need and a fashion show and auction for the Help for Heroes charity.

Awards: Suzie Pankhurst award for the best newcomer - Laura Voaden; Robert Yule catering and cooking award - Rachel Dixon; personal achievement in hospitality and catering NVQ - Tamsin Cotton; community support award voted for by Foxes learners - Owls Restaurant.

Outstanding learners' awards, in 1,2,3 order went to George Wannell, Ruth Selby and Samantha Travers.

Photos: Steve Guscott