Charlie Chalmers, known by his stage name Charmerz, was among the winners at the first showcase event held by Suffolk New College On The Coast, covering its Leiston and Halesworth campuses.

The ceremony took place at The Cut in Halesworth, where the 19-year-old from Leiston received a special recognition award.

Charlie Chalmers – a rapper from Leiston received an award for his efforts at Suffolk New College on the Coast (Image: Supplied)

Mr Chalmers said: “Studying at Suffolk New College On The Coast has been the best experience I’ve had in education. Winning an award means everything.”

He had previously left education due to a family bereavement, later returning to complete two full-time courses, including maintenance operations.

Mr Chalmers also produces music and writes rap lyrics, including a track titled Dear Dad, dedicated to his late father.

Charlie Chalmers – a rapper from Leiston who won a special recognition award for his efforts studying at Suffolk New College in Halesworth (Image: Supplied)

He began rapping at age seven, inspired by Eminem and encouraged by his father, who helped him write his first rap at eight.

Following his father’s passing in 2023, he decided to pursue music in his memory.

Sherry Storer, head of centre at Leiston and Halesworth, said: “We might be the smallest campuses of Suffolk New College but I think we are the mightiest.

“We are a community, and this is the first time that we have hosted a showcase event specifically for us.”

Principal and CEO of Suffolk New College at The Cut in Halesworth during an awards do (Image: Supplied)

In total, 13 awards were presented in categories including being bold, enterprising, and leadership.

Alan Pease, principal and CEO of Suffolk New College, said: “I’m very proud of the team and of course all of our wonderful students. “It was a brilliant atmosphere.

“Everyone seems to root for each other and this event has inspired me.

Charlie Simmans and Ruby Henson – Ruby received the self management award at the SNC awards do in Halesworth (Image: Supplied)

“This was a timely reminder of why we do what we do in terms of supporting people of all ages and helping them progress both inside and outside of college.”

Two special recognition awards were given to Dylan Jay and Charlie Chalmers.