AN AWARD in memory of Charlotte Blackman, who was killed in a rockfall at Burton Bradstock has been presented for the first time.

The first graduate to receive an excellence award in the name of the University of Derby graduate was revealed at its 2014 Awards Ceremonies.

Charlotte, 22, of Heanor, was an exemplary student who'd just completed her BA (Hons) Education Studies degree - achieving a First Class Honours - in summer 2012, when she was tragically killed in the landslide on the beach while on holiday in Dorset.

With the agreement of Charlotte's family the University has set-up the 'Charlotte Blackman Award for the Highest Achieving Student'; to be given to the highest achieving graduate 'all rounder' on the Education Studies degree course.

Lee Youens - who graduated from the course with First Class Honours - became the first recipient of Charlotte's award. Her parents were at the ceremony, as guests of the University.

A delighted Lee, 29, from Shrewsbury, also received the 'Vice-Chancellor's Award for Academic Excellence (Best Undergraduate Performance in the Faculty of Education, Health and Sciences, and in the University)'.

Charlotte's mother Rachel said of the award: "We're very proud. This award is a nice way of keeping Charlotte's memory alive and is a real honour."

Lynn Senior, Head of the School of Education, added: "Charlotte achieved a First Class degree and was an exceptional student with a real passion for all aspects of education, in particular special educational needs. We wanted to honour her name with an award that would recognise those qualities in future graduates."