Former City of Bath College student Peter France, the chief executive of Bath-based Rotork Plc, has received the prestigious Association of Colleges (AoC) Gold Award at the House of Commons.

Staff and students from City of Bath College were present at the awards ceremony, which is held each year to recognise further education alumni as well as acknowledge the vital role that colleges play in the careers of the winners and of their continuing achievements.

Peter France was nominated by the college where he studied an apprenticeship in electrical and electronic engineering between 1984 and 1989.

On receiving his award, Peter said: “The combination of practical work experience and academic study provided a fantastic foundation for my working life. It is an educational model that works and one that this country should be very proud of. I will always be grateful for the time I spent at City of Bath College.”