A HIGH-FLYING graduate is celebrating after receiving a hat-trick of awards.

Alecia Cotterell, 23, was crowned Teesside University’s Student of the Year shortly after winning the prestigious Professor Oglesby Prize for Achievement and the Teesside Entrepreneurs Award.

She said: “When I received the call telling me about the Student of the Year award, I couldn’t believe it, having already won two awards.

“When it sank in I was so pleased - I actually hadn’t told my family before I was presented with the award on stage at my graduation, so it was a big surprise for them. They were really thrilled for me.”

Ms Cotterell, originally from Kent, moved to Middlesbrough to volunteer at a local church. After working with young people at the church, she decided to join the youth studies course at Teesside University.

She said: “I’m passionate about facilitating the learning of children from difficult backgrounds and feel strongly about providing them with a platform and, more importantly, a belief that they can go on and achieve anything they want to. My course has provided a stepping stone to help me achieve my career goals.”