Two Business students have been awarded the Ken Hodgson Memorial Prize for Business, which recognises academic excellence at Leeds Trinity University.

Jade Fretwell, a third-year Business and Management student, and Adam Stout, who is in the final year of a degree in Accounting and Business, were recognised for their exceptional academic achievement last year.

They were both presented with a cheque for £250 by Tim Hodgson, Director of the Westcourt Group, son of the late Ken Hodgson, and Leeds Trinity Honorary Fellow and alumnus.

Tim Hodgson said: "When my Dad passed away, we wanted to do something in his memory, and it seemed fitting to establish an annual award for students at Leeds Trinity. My family has a close connection with the University; my brother and I studied here, my Dad was a Governor, and I'm now an Honorary Fellow of the institution.

"Business was my Dad's passion and when I meet the recipients of the award, I am always impressed with how well they are doing, their ambition and entrepreneurial mindset. It's pleasure to present Jade and Adam with the award and I hope it makes a difference to their studies this year."

23-year-old Adam, who achieved first-class marks across all modules last year and hopes to work in Accounting after graduating, said: "Receiving this award has helped me realised that I am progressing on the right track, and has motivated me to continue achieving in my final year of study. I aim to get employed by a financial firm after graduating to gain more experience as an accountant, and complete a Chartered Accountancy exam course, which this money will help to fund.

"I'd like to thank the University for the award and for the help that was supplied by module tutors, for getting me into a position that led to receiving this award."

27-year-old Jade, who works at Direct Line Group, alongside her full-time study at Leeds Trinity, will look for a graduate scheme to develop skills in Project Management after graduating. She said: "It means a lot to be given an award as it shows all the hard work put in is being recognised. As a mature student, I was worried I wouldn't be able to keep up and it's given me the confidence to know I'm actually doing really well, which is a fantastic feeling going into third year."

The Ken Hodgson Memorial Prize was established in 2012, in memory of Ken Hodgson, a former Governor of Leeds Trinity University and the founder of commercial property investment company, Westcourt Group Ltd. Every year, a Leeds Trinity student is awarded a £500 prize in recognition of their hard work, academic achievements and employability skills. This year, the award has been given to two students who have excelled.

Greg Barnes, Head of Business and Law at Leeds Trinity University, said: "Jade has been an excellent student throughout her studies at Leeds Trinity. She joined the Business and Management programme as a mature student and has worked hard to become recognised by her peers and tutors as making a positive contribution to the cohort.

"Adam joined Leeds Trinity in his second year and has become one of the most academically gifted students in his year. His dedication to succeeding in his degree is fantastic to see and he has been an inspiration to those around him."