A student from Ayrshire College has been recognised at the prestigious British Education Awards.

Lisa Mason was announced as Scotland’s winner in the Vocational category at the awards ceremony, held in Manchester on Friday, February 9.

Lisa, 31 from Kilwinning, studied HND Fitness, Health and Exercise at Ayrshire College’s Kilmarnock campus last year.

She was the driving force behind many inclusive groups organised through the college Sport and Fitness department’s Connecting Communities initiative.

Lisa was a key organiser of the inaugural #Walk4Lionheart, a 13-mile walk from the Kilwinning Campus to the Kilmarnock Campus, which helped raise money for three local charities: Beautiful Inside and Out, the Kris Boyd Charity and Megan’s Space.

The event involved 300 walkers and was covered on Sky Sports News, helping to raise awareness of mental health support.

Lisa was also involved in the Rose Reilly Football Academy, offering free weekly football sessions to young Ayrshire girls, and the #BeAwesomeBeActive Older Adult group, which enabled elderly members of the Ayrshire community to receive free one-to-one personal training sessions.

The group received guidance on fitness and health eating, coming together on a weekly basis to combat social isolation and gain new friends.

The British Education Awards recognise individuals who have worked hard and dedicated themselves to their education, with one person nominated in every UK nation for each stage of their learning journey, from National 5 to Degree level.

This means Lisa was the only Scottish student to be recognised at this year’s award ceremony.

Lisa, who returned to college after previously studying towards a Hospitality career, said: “I feel extremely proud to have won this award.

"I am very pleased to have had my work ethic and academic results noticed and recognised. I thoroughly enjoyed studying at Ayrshire College.

"My lecturers Tony Adgent, David Dougan and Stephen Leckey, along with curriculum manager John McTaggart, went above and beyond and provided me with more than enough support and encouragement to pass the course.

“I became a natural leader within the class and loved the planning and delivery of the various projects.

"These projects brought together physical exercise and improving mental health. Two things I am passionate about."

“I am incredibly proud of the work I have done at Ayrshire College and hope to have made an impact on the health and wellbeing of others. I’m looking forward to a future career which incorporates health and fitness!”