Bedford College Student of the Year Deji Tobais has got through to the second stage of selection for Olympic Torchbearers.

The international sprinter remains hopeful of a place in the 2012 Olympics squad – and now also to carry the torch across the UK.

He was nominated by Bedford College in response to a nationwide appeal for Olympic Torchbearers and is now among 2,012 individuals who have made it through the second stage out of 28,000 who were put forward.

Deji was a semi-finalist in the World Junior Championships in 2011 and has just competed in the European Junior Championships.

Chief Executive Ian Pryce said: “We are a winning team here at Bedford College and this acknowledgement of the contribution made to the community by our staff and students is well deserved.”

Fellow College Director Tom Kay, who is in charge of the sports and related departments added: “To be the first past the finishing line in front of so many others who have been bidding to be part of the Get Set team is a fantastic reward for sports head Phil Newman and his team. Special thanks to our Sports Co-ordinator Michael Cox who runs sports studies and enrichment activities at the college and in local schools.”

Students from Bedford College have represented their country in a variety of sports over the past decade – so becoming part of the “Olympic Dream” is a fitting reward for the college.

A group of dance students are stepping up preparations to perform to an international audience at WorldSkills 2011, after being selected from almost 200 UK schools and colleges to ‘showcase’ their skills alongside the competitions.

The Leeds City College Dance Collective will be showcasing an exciting multimedia dance piece entitled ‘Maps of Identity’, which mixes live dance with film, at the world’s largest skills competition for young people on October 8th.

The 12 Dance and Performing Arts students, who hail from a diverse range of backgrounds from Leeds to Poland and Zimbabwe, created the piece to celebrate the diverse student demographic at the College and explore how their geographical and cultural roots have shaped their lives.

Lecturer Briony Marston said: “It’s wonderful to be a part of this prestigious, high profile event. Performing at the WorldSkills will be a fantastic experience for them and undoubtedly enhance their studies.”

A new season of ‘Animal Fun Day’ short courses at Shuttleworth College is about to begin.

Young people aged 11-16 get the chance to peer into the lives of all sorts of animals, including creepy crawlies and slippery snakes.

Carl Groombridge, lecturer said: “This is a chance for young people to get up close to exotic creatures that they may otherwise only see on the TV.

Carl said: “The Animal Centre is home to just about every family of species in the world and habitats include a topical rainforest setting where recorded sounds of the forest give an added dimension to the environment.

“It offers young people a unique opportunity to learn about animal welfare and conservation – but with the magic ingredient of fun.  It’s a chance to have a “hands on” experience with creepy crawlies and slippery snakes and discover the secrets of these exotic creatures.”

Animal Fun Day is on Saturday 29th October from 9.30am until 12.30pm.

Graphic Design students from Birmingham Metropolitan College were given the chance to showcase their talents at a landmark city development, after creating a multimedia presentation which encouraged them to turn The Cube ‘inside out’.

The Cube has introduced many firsts to Birmingham during its development including the state of the art architecture, the first Marco Pierre White restaurant in the city and one of the UK’s first automated car park systems.

The work of three students, Bradley Caine, Elsie Ofori and Ben Colman was selected for a forthcoming city exhibition to be held later in the year.

Teenagers from Newham College have received National Citizen Service certificates signed by David Cameron after raising £550 for the Richard House Children’s Hospice.

Their work was part of the government’s National Citizen Service and its ‘Summer of a Lifetime’ programme aimed at young people.

Steve Smith, a deputy director at the college said:  “It’s great that the Prime Minister has recognised the positive efforts of young people.”

The scheme included a week of activities such as archery, canoeing and mountain biking at Brenscombe Outdoor Centre in Dorset. Summer of a Lifetime’ is pilot project delivered in partnership with the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust and voluntary sector organisations, Local Authorities and FE colleges.

Electro-pop band, KOVAK were given the star treatment by Media students from Central Sussex College, when they met for a publicity masterclass.

With a day of photography, interviews, performance, and a podcast, the students needed to maintain a professional, yet creative approach during the session held at Brighton’s KOMEDIA.

KOVAK, who are due to release their second album will look closely at images from the day, and possibly use students’ ideas for their new album cover.

Sparsholt College’s Equine Centre has recently received a Venue of the Year Award 2011 by British Dressage. The award is based on the quality of facilities, atmosphere and efficiency, including the speed at which results are published on the day and made public thereafter.

Kathy Bamber, Equine Manager says: “Events at Sparsholt continue to develop in terms of numbers and quality of competitors. We have all worked very hard to provide first class customer care and excellent facilities and this award acknowledges the combined efforts of the volunteers, the judges, the scorers and all the staff and students.”

The Equine facilities at Sparsholt are British Horse Society-approved. Modern teaching facilities including 70 stables, an indoor arena, three outdoor arenas, horsewalker, grass rides and cross country schooling fences.

The Equine Centre at Sparsholt College has been included within the London 2012 Pre-Olympic Games training guide.

The stars of retail were celebrated last week at the Skillsmart Retail Rising Stars Awards, held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

The cream of talent from across the UK came together for the annual awards ceremony, with star guest Theo Paphitis, to find out who would take home the honours.

Almost 80 people and teams from a range of businesses and skills shops across the country battled it out in 17 categories, hoping to get their hands on one of the much sought after trophies.

We caught up with “Skillsmart Retail Apprentice of the Year” 17-year-old April Bell who works for Monica F Hewitt Florists in Sheffield. April is working towards a Level 2 apprenticeship in Retail with The Source Skills Academy in Sheffield.

April said: “I had convinced myself that I hadn’t won it, I was seated next to Theo Paphitis and thought, well, whatever happens I’ve had a right good night!

“I’m just waiting for my results in English, and then hopefully I can go onto Level 3. I’m hoping to study for some First Aid qualifications too. My ambition is to get properly trained and qualified, then one day I’d like to have my own florists. I’d love that.”

The Source Skills Academy is based in Meadowhall shopping centre.

Managing Director Ann Cadman told FE Week: “The Rising Star Awards are among the most prestigious awards in the Retail Sector. We are delighted for April and to be crowned Retail Apprentice of the Year is great testament to her hard work and dedication. April truly is a rising star and we are proud to celebrate her achievement.”

Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis said: “Winning the Apprentice of the Year Award is a massive achievement. The competition was of a very high standard and April is a great example of the drive, commitment, enthusiasm and sheer passion required to make it in retail.

“April shows every sign of becoming one of tomorrow’s retail leaders and I look forward to seeing her develop her career in what I believe to be the most dynamic and exciting industry.”