ADULT learners have been praised for their dedication after winning an award.

The group of learners, which meets every Wednesday morning at Woodhouse Close Church, on the Woodhouse Close Estate in Bishop Auckland, have won the Regional Group Adult Learners Award for their efforts to learn basic skills.

Bev Ward, who teaches the group, said that they deserved their awards because of the enthusiasm they put into their classes.

She said: "They are so keen to learn and their appetite for learning is amazing. They all help each other, so nobody ever feels left out, and their attendance is fantastic.''

The Wednesday morning classes are among many held throughout the Wear Valley and Teesdale area through the Leap into Learning Adult Education Centre, in Barnard Castle.

Anyone wishing to join any of the courses can contact the centre on (01833) 690281.