A talented student has scooped a top accolade at the Herald Higher Education Awards.

Kyle Prele, who is a HNC Applied Science student at West College Scotland (WCS), recently took home the award for Outstanding Contribution from a college student.

He was nominated for his extracurricular activity at WCS, which has a campus in Paisley, where he has embedded himself within the wider college community.

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Kyle is also a Modern Apprentice Science Technician at the college and the newly elected student president for 2023/24.

As a trans man, he has acted as an advocate for transgender and gender non-conforming issues at WCS by speaking knowledgeably on the challenges that trans staff and students face and offering up solutions.

Kyle said: "I have always fought hard for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and as a queer trans man, the rights and inclusivity of the trans community is extremely important to me and very personal.

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"In the light of recent developments across the UK surrounding trans rights and their access to facilities and care, it is even more crucial I continue my work fighting for more inclusivity within education."

Paul Ferguson, operational development manager who leads on equality, diversity and inclusion at WCS, added: "Kyle winning this top award is testament to his resilience, perseverance and commitment to furthering trans inclusivity at WCS. 

"We are so proud that his work is making us a more inclusive college for transgender and gender non-conforming staff and students."