STUDENTS at Bury College and the Bury College University Centre got the opportunity to show off their skills at the bestofbury awards.

The event, which recognises Bury-based businesses that are thriving in the current climate, took place on Friday, October 18.

Students studying Art & Design Interactive Media and students from the Events Management BSc (Hons) course joined forces to assist at the event.

The chosen organisations were whittled down from more than 190 entries and the judge’s panel included some of the borough’s leading business professionals.

Bury College students Will Snowden from Bolton and Tom Selwood from Middleton, both 17, were responsible for photographing the event.

Will, a former pupil of Canon Slade School, said: “Today has given us the opportunity to use the skills that we have learned in lessons.

“I will also be putting this event on to my university application form.”

The Bury College University Centre students Amy Howarth, aged 18, and Emma Howells, aged 19, welcomed the finalists, assigning names badges and directing visitors.

Amy Howarth, studying Events Management BSc (Hons), said: “Today has given us an opportunity to see an event in its real format. We have seen how a team works together and put the things we have learned in presentations into practice.”

Managing director of thebestofbury Debi Fellone added: “We have had a long-standing relationship with Bury College.

“We are delighted to be able to give students the opportunity to see how a live event works and for them to gain hands-on experience, which is invaluable.”

The shortlist of finalists for thebestofbury has been announced this week and the winners will be chosen during a celebration luncheon on Friday November 22.