Wigan & Leigh College demonstrated its passion for helping to tackle economic equality locally by signing up to Wigan Council's Deal for Business scheme. In July, it was one of five businesses to be given gold membership.

It means the college has shown the highest level of commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth within the borough, by recruiting locally, investing in its workforce, giving young people opportunities, buying locally, reducing its carbon footprint and giving back to its community.

It is also in line with its mission "to be a beacon of educational excellence transforming the lives of the individuals and communities we serve".

Each year, more than 14,000 people study at the college, which was formed in April 1992 through the merger of Wigan College of Technology and Leigh College. They are encouraged to achieve their potential through exceptional teaching, support and guidance across academic, vocational, technical and apprenticeship courses.

Pitched to suit all abilities, provision ranges from entry-level to professional and post-graduate courses. It includes A-level professional honours programmes or vocational qualifications such as BTECs, plus an expanding portfolio of foundation degrees, top-up degrees, Higher Nationals and certificates.

The college gives something back to the community through a range of initiatives, including taking part in the Wigan 10K race to support Wigan and Leigh Hospice. It has recently teamed up with construction company Greenmount Projects to send goods to Ukraine and it donates to The Brick, in Wigan, which offers training to increase the job opportunities for people who are unemployed.