A distance learning journalism student who lives on the Solomon Islands has won a coveted national award for excellence.

Denver Newter, a journalism student on a  Cleland Thom Journalism Training, was presented with a Certificate of Merit by the Association of British Correspondence Colleges, awarded to distance learning students who have performed exceptionally well on their courses.

Director Cleland Thom said: “Denver deserves this award as he is a fine example of how hard work and commitment can overcome genuine difficulties. He is forging himself a promising career. His achievement also shows how distance learning can change the lives of people thousands of miles away and give them opportunities they would otherwise never have.”

Denver joined the course as a beginner in April 2010 and completed the course in 12 months.  He now works for his country’s national daily newspaper, the Solomon Islands Star.