Motor vehicle students Gemma Hadden, 23, from Morpeth, and Jamie Morris, 18, from Widdrington, were presented with the keys to a Nissan Micra and Peugeot 106 by College Principal Rachel Ellis-Jones at a prize draw attended by staff, students and their friends and family.

A third winner, 19-year-old Greg Woodward, from Selkirk, who couldn't make it to the draw, will pick up the keys to a Vauxhall Corsa at a later date.

The trio were involved in a year-ong motor vehicle project that aimed to improve learners' attendance and achievement by offering the chance to win a car to those with good pass rates, behaviour and attendance.

The project was open to full time students on the Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Level 1 and 2 and Award in Vehicle Systems and Body and Paint Maintenance Entry Level 3 courses, and about 40 took part.

Motor Vehicle Tutor Richard Abbott said: "We thought this project would be a great idea to help our students get interested and involved in their studies.

"When the students started their courses in September we told them about the project and they were very excited about it. They told us which types of cars they were interested in and we bought them from local dealers.

"Throughout the year the students have worked on the cars as part of their courses, servicing, repairing and preparing them for MoT. They've all done very well."

This is the first time Northumberland College has held the motor vehicle project. Tutors got the idea from a presenter at a staff development event.

Northumberland College offers a range of motor vehicle courses at its Ashington campus. Find out more by visiting www.northumberland.ac.uk or e-mailing advice.centre@northland.ac.uk or calling 01670 841200.