In October 2007, the 11 students from the Blue Toon and the surrounding area enrolled with some trepidation, on a part-time PDA Learning Assistant course at the Marischal Street centre.

Nearly two years later the students, who have recently completed their course, were honoured at a special ceremony at the centre on Wednesday.

Lecturer Chantal Wood said: "This group have grown hugely in confidence since I met them on their first day in class. From people who barely knew each other two years ago, it has been a pleasure to watch them grow into a team who have supported each other every step of the way."
The PDA Learning Assistant course was one of the first courses to start at the new learning centre when it was opened in 2007.

Joan Thorne, head of community and lifelong learning at Aberdeen College said: "This class have worked really hard to complete their course and we felt that they deserved a special presentation to congratulate them on their success.

"Most of them will be returning to the centre after the summer to begin HNC Working with Communities. We hope that their achievements will encourage people who have perhaps been away from education for some time to think about learning something new."

At the ceremony, Joan presented each member of the group with a certificate and small token to recognise their commitment to the course.