TWO Burnley College tutors have been recognised as amongst the best in the UK.

Mazar Iqbal won a silver award for further education lecturer of the year, while Ben Whitaker won the award for digital innovator of the year at this year’s Pearson National Teaching Awards.

Selected from thousands of candidates around the country, together they make up two of just 76 silver award winners nationwide.

Burnley College Sixth Form Centre principal Karen Buchanan said: “Huge congratulations to both Maz and Ben on this amazing achievement! It is fantastic that the outstanding contribution to the lives of young people – and their colleagues, too – is being recognised nationally.

“Maz and Ben truly epitomise just what it means to be part of the Burnley College family and the Number 1 College in England.

“They give 100% to ensure that every individual student gets the support they need to achieve their goals and make their dreams come true and share their expertise with their colleagues, too.”

Mr Iqbal has been recognised thanks to his work ensuring his students are given every opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge to real-life problems, arranging work placements and helping them compete competitions, such as the British Informatics Challenge, Cyber Discovery Challenge and Cyber Security Challenge.

Mr Whitaker won his award thanks his role leading training sessions to more than 300 other teachers and staff members on digital tools and his work providing training, keynote talks and podcasts on these skills.

The inspiration pair are now each in the running to win one of just 14 gold awards later in the year, in a programme which will be broadcast on the BBC

Ms Buchanan said: “They are truly outstanding Tutors who change the lives of their students and help them create amazing futures – whether that’s heading to university study or rewarding careers that really make a difference.

“We now wish them both every success in the grand finals and hope they will bring a gold medal back to Burnley!”