NEW Forest District Council (NFDC) has been awarded Employer of the Year by Brockenhurst College.

The accolade was handed out at the college’s Gala Awards on July 11, celebrating the council's ongoing partnership and shared work for enhancing apprenticeships and work experience offerings.

The district council was represented at the event by NFDC chairman Cllr David Hawkins, NFDC assistant director for transformation Rebecca Drummond, and NFDC senior HR advisor Zoe Omerod.

Cllr Hawkins said: "The gala awards were a privilege to be part of.

"It was wonderful to witness the academic and personal journeys of some amazing young talent."

Ms Omerod said: "We are proud to win the award of Employer of the Year, and are committed to being an employer of choice.

"Hopefully this award helps to show this."

Cllr Hawkins also presented the Apprentice of the Year award at the ceremony.

The council's current job vacancies can be viewed online at newforest.gov.uk/jobs.