CRAVEN College is celebrating after being given recognition by the world's largest provider of aviation services.

It means the aviation academy, based at Leeds Bradford Airport, will be a Swissport Academy for the next academic year.

Only a few colleges in the country gain such recognition, bringing great benefits to both tutors and students.

The Swissport Academy will start training college staff this month, with development and support for both tutors and students planned throughout the year.

Benefits include helping students to put into practice what they have learnt in the classroom with behind-the-scenes access to the airport.

Students will also benefit from gaining real work experience, with opportunities leading to paid roles with Swissport in a variety of jobs, such as passenger services, dispatch and ramp services.

Andrew Cumiskey, head of recruitment and training at Swissport, said: “Students who have a passion for aviation have in the past, and will continue, to make valuable contributions to our workforce."

Tina Gale, head of school for aviation at Craven College, said: “It will give our students unique access to see the behind-the-scenes aviation operations in an international airport, including cargo, logistics, air traffic control, border control and commerce."