A PROJECT which specialises in helping women in education has a double reason to celebrate.

The Bridge Women's Education and Support Project, based in Chester-le-Street, has received an outstanding report from Government inspectors in the same week as one of its tutors won an award for her work with adult learners.

The project, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, works with about 2,500 women each week from across North Durham and Wearside.

Inspectors from Ofsted visited the centre's creche late in May and have now compiled their report, which places the project in the highest possible outstanding category.

The creche was described as being "of exceptionally high quality, with a strong commitment to maintaining a high standard of care and learning."

Unusually, there were no recommendations for improvement because the existing standards were so high.

Meanwhile, IT co-ordinator Audrey Cowan has been named best tutor in the County Durham Adult Learners' Awards after being nominated by her students.

Audrey will receive her award at a ceremony at The Riverside Suite at Durham County Cricket Club on Tuesday, July 5.