HIGH-FLYING adult learners from across the region were honoured yesterday.

More than 200 people attended the North-East Regional Adult Learners’ Awards ceremony at Bishop Auckland Castle to celebrate the achievements of people whose lives have been transformed by getting back into education.

Among the award winners was Jan Blakey, 49, from Durham City, who enrolled on several short courses after an accident left her unable to work.

She went on to become the vice-chairwoman and training organiser for County Durham’s 12 Villages Community Network, and has nearly completed a foundation degree.

Other winners were Lee Curry, from Newcastle, Valerie Hewison, from South Tyneside, Peter Lovegrove, from Sunderland, Diane Freeth, from Wallsend and Leanne Pink and Catherine Ward, both from Middlesbrough.

The regional senior learner winner was Brenda Cumming from Washington, Wearside, and the Learning and Skills Council learning award winner went to yoga teacher Allison James from Haswell.

Joan Pilkington, from Redcar, east Cleveland, won the Stephen Rivington Memorial Award.

Philip Hinchcliffe, from Working Links, who nominated Ms Pilkington, said: “She thoroughly deserves this award because she has worked so hard. For a 57-year-old to learn to read and basic maths is an excellent achievement.”