THE controversial rebranding of North Devon College has been honoured at a glitzy national awards ceremony.

Petroc, as it is now known, took two prizes at the Transform Awards in London.

The college was given silver awards for "best public sector rebrand" and "best regional rebrand".

Petroc spokesman David Shuttleworth said: "Rebranding the college has been an extraordinary challenge but — thanks to the efforts of the marketing team and everyone else at Petroc, as well as our consultants, Interbrand — it's also been hugely rewarding and fun.

"It's great to see Petroc recognised for excellence alongside some of the UK's biggest names and this success is all down to the drive, determination and boundless creative energy of everyone involved."

The Transform Awards were organised by Communicate magazine.

The unveiling of the new name and brand at the end of September last year was greeted with many hoots of derision among local people.

There were hundreds of negative comments on www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk and a popular Facebook campaign argued the new name was stupid.

There were also some public comments in support of the new brand.

Interbrand was paid £25,000 to come up with the new name and brand.

The total £330,000 cost of the process was paid for by the Learning and Skills Council.

Interbrand's director of verbal identity, Andy York, said: "We're delighted and proud to see our work for Petroc recognised in these new and important awards.

"Most of all, though, we want to thank everyone at Petroc for having the courage and vision to get behind this radical change and see it through."