A STUDENT with his heart set on being a bug specialist is well on his way to realising his dream after scooping a double award.

Joseph Thompson has been named Pershore College Student of the Year and Animal Welfare and Veterinary Nursing Student of the Year, seeing off competition from dozens of fellow students.

The Redditch-based 19-year-old is eyeing a place at university once he completes the final year with his heart set on studying entomology – the study of insects and their relationship to humans.

He said: “It’s been a really busy and at times difficult first year at Pershore College, but my tutors have all been really supportive throughout.

“I had no idea I’d be nominated for these awards, but receiving them has motivated me to start looking at university places to carry on my studies and follow my passion for nature.

“It would be great if I could carry on this success and go on to study entomology at university but I’d love to work with wildlife and animals in any capacity.

“There is so much variety in what we do each day on my course and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in again in my second year.”

Helen Kinghorn, college director, said: “Joseph is a worthy recipient of both of these awards for his efforts over the last year.

“He has adapted to the challenges of learning at home due to Covid-19 restrictions and shown great resilience despite only having access to a usual classroom environment once a week.

“We have a number of excellent students here at Pershore College but Joseph stood out because of his love for his subject and his laid-back yet fully committed approach to learning.

“If he can keep it up next year, he’ll have no problem finding a place at university to continue studying whatever inspires him.”