STUDENTS and staff at Minehead’s Foxes Academy celebrated a year of successes at the training hotel’s annual graduation awards ceremony.

More than 350 students, family, friends and staff gathered at the Crazy Horse venue in Butlin’s last Friday to recognise the leavers’ achievements.

The ceremony was also filmed as the finale to a Channel 5 series called ‘A Very Special Hotel’ which is due to be screened this autumn.

The guest speaker at this year’s awards was Matt Carr, executive chef of the University of the West of England.

He explained how he had wanted to be a chef from an early age, trained under the guidance of Albert Roux and was proud to work in an industry which had adapted to include people of all disabilities.

Former Foxes student Sophie Morris, who graduated in 2014, also gave an inspiring presentation about her own life since leaving the academy.

She has used the skills learned while at Foxes to live independently and worked in three part-time jobs, including helping at a lunch club close to her home near Exeter.

Mr Carr and Foxes’ directors Sue Jenkins and Maureen Tyler-Moore presented most of the awards and the graduation certificates to the third year leavers.

Best newcomer went to Katie Brennan, personal achievement in NVQ hospitality and catering went to Mickaela Robinson – with the accolade being presented by Kirstie Donnelly, UK Managing Director of City and Guilds.

Catering and cooking was presented to Firielle Alju’beh and transition to Jack Hale.

The top three outstanding learner awards were given to Archie Donovan, Calum Kilburn and Ashleigh Callaway respectively.

Principal, Tracey Clare-Grey, said: “Graduation is always an inspiring and emotional event.

“After training at Foxes Hotel our third year leavers move on to get a job in hospitality and live independently.

“Our passion is to inspire these young people to go into the world with skills, confidence and a passion to succeed.

“I think our results speak for themselves, 75% of leavers in 2014 entered employment.”

She also thanked staff for helping the students during their studies at Foxes.

The awards were followed by a glitz and glamour-themed ball with music from local band the Fun Puppets.