TEAMWORK, hard work and a generous helping of fun has transformed the Students' Union at the Royal Forest of Dean College into the best in the South-West of England.

The Forest college's student members are celebrating after picking up the title as the top further education union from 14 nominations.

Union president Jayne Cecil described the award as a huge success for the college.

"We play a very active role in the life of the college and everyone is pleased we have done so well," she said.

The Students' Union was "virtually non-existent" a year ago but now plays a role in every aspect of college life with representation on a variety of committees including the Academic Board, Board of Governors and Equal Opportunities.

The Union has become so successful that this year's election of officers resulted in more than double the number of students voting.

The union has established its own college intranet and created its own website and has been successful in organising a huge number of social activities, many linked to raising money for charity.

Rag Week yielded £600 and in total the Union raised over £1,500 for good causes.

In a letter submitted as part of their bid for the regional title, the Union says: "One or two people can't make drastic changes, however, a team, working together, can reform a Students' Union. We have, in a year, become a prominent, well-regarded part of college life, and more importantly have enjoyed the work we have done."