A Falklands war veteran gave a rousing address to students at a sixth form college.

Simon Weston visited Barnet and Southgate College for its annual student achievement awards last night at Middlesex University.

The former Welsh Guardsman, who survived burns to 46 per cent of his body in the bombing of HMS Sir Galahad in 1982 and went on to become a charity worker, presented awards to students including Kevin Daly, who won the top achieving student award from the supported learning department of the college.

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Barnet, Councillor David Longstaff, students, parents and staff.

College principal David Byrne said: “We take great satisfaction in supporting our students achieve their aspirations, whether this is to enter higher education, get their first job, develop vocational skills, complete an apprenticeship or help them improve their career prospects.

“The annual awards ceremony is about recognising those students who have achieved more than they ever thought possible, and we’re really proud of all the nominees and winners in each of the categories.

"The hardest part is choosing just 33 winners from the 21,000 students we have across all campuses at Barnet and Southgate College.”