HIGH flying adult learners from across the region were honoured at an event in Bishop Auckland Castle.

Over 200 people attended the North East Regional Adult Learners’ Awards ceremony, to celebrate the achievements of people whose lives have been transformed by getting back into education.

Among the individual award winners was Jan Blakey, 49, from Durham, 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 almost completed a Foundation Degree in the Voluntary and Community Sector.

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

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

Cath Mitchell from Newcastle scooped the Learning Through Technology Award, and Gwendoline Perkins, 51, from Crook was crowned Outstanding Adult Learner.

Her tutor, Alan Skinner, from Bishop Auckland College, said: "I am so pleased for Gwen, she is a very dedicated and proud person who never complains."

The Berwick Hills Writing, Performance and Healing Group from Middlesbrough were highly commended, and Joan Pilkington from Redcar scooped 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."

Several people and groups from Northumberland also won awards.

Programme director for the National Institute of Adults Continuing Education, Pat Whaley, said: "We hope these learners achievements will be an example to other people.

"Hopefully someone reading this might think ‘I can do that too’ and transform their lives too."