PEOPLE who have changed their lives by going back to the classroom have been honoured by their college tutors.
Bishop Auckland College's Adult Learners Awards went to groups and individuals who had shown commitment and dedication to their studies.
The outstanding adult learner was Sandra Rudd, a 43-year-old mother of three teenage sons from Bishop Auckland, who is an early years practitioner at St Cuthbert's RC Primary School, in Crook, as well as studying for a foundation degree in early childhood studies.
Eleven friends who met on a cookery course in Eldon Lane, in 2003, and are now studying Indian head massage won the group award.
College principal Joanna Tait said: "Meeting and listening to adult learners who have changed their lives through further education inspires us all."
Other nominees were: David Bake, IT, Newton Aycliffe Centre; Debra Baker, languages, Bishop Auckland College (BAC); Emma Brabban, infection control, distance learning; June Burns, IT, Barnard Castle Centre; Zilda Maria Mulkerrin, IT, Spennymoor Centre; Gail Errington, fine art, BAC.
Damon Hazell, sport and exercise, BAC; Paul Herbert, IT, BAC; Emma Hunt, childcare, BAC; Harry Irwin, IT, Stanhope; Ferguson Matthews, art and design, BAC; Andrew Proud, plumbing, BAC; Tracey Raw, IT, BAC; Eileen Robson, beauty therapy, BAC; Graham Rowell, infection control, distance learning; Chatcharee Smith, hairdressing, BAC; Louise Tron, accounts, BAC; David Turnbull, management, BAC; Noel Waldock, languages, Shildon Centre; David Walton, essential skills, BAC; John Wayper, plumbing, BAC; Suzanne Williams, fine art, BAC; Steve Willsmore, languages, BAC; David Woodgate, IT, Newgate Centre, Bishop Auckland.
Nominated groups were: Adult Links, Bishop Auckland College; Cache Entry Group Childcare, Ferryhill; New Clait, Woodham Community College; Spanish NCFE Level 1, Sunnydale, Shildon; IT, St John's Chapel.
Move On, The Ladder Centre, Ferryhill; Hairdressing NVQ1, BAC; Institute of Leadership and Management Certificate, BAC; Cache Entry Group Childcare, SureStart Wear Valley Family Centre; Business Administration Level 1, Shildon Centre
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