A MAN who won a national award for adult learners has been congratulated by his local MP. Vera Baird, who represents Redcar, passed on her congratulations to Ali Matinazad when he was a guest in London for the national Adult Continuing Education Awards. Mr Matinazad has been learning English for the past six months and now speaks fluently. He was accompanied by his tutor at Middlesbrough College, Beryl Moore, who described him as "a very special person". Mrs Baird said: "Ali is an example of what you can do when you set your mind to it. To learn English so quickly, and so fluently, is a great achievement, and shows a willingness to learn which is amazing, and is encouraging for other adult learners."

STAR ATTRACTION: Keith Thomas, who is retiring as president of Hartlepool Rotary Club, is hoping to hold an international cabaret evening at the Mayfair Centre, Seaton Carew, on July 5 in support of his nominated charities, Hartlepool and District Hospice and Hartlepool Blind Welfare. Mr Thomas, who in the past has been involved with bringing stars including Bob Monkhouse and Gene Pitney to the town, is hoping to attract more top names. For information about the event contact Mr Thomas on (01429) 869148.

NEW CENTRE: An open day takes place today allowing people the chance to see what new facilities are available at the Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre in Stockton. The centre has just undergone a refurbishment. The event will include storytelling for toddlers, information and advice on healthcare, childcare and housing and an arts and crafts display.

BASKET WORK: More than 150 residents from Gresham in Middlesbrough learnt how to create floral hanging baskets at a community event. The baskets will be used to brighten up streets in the area this summer. Les Broomhead, Middlesbrough Council's sustainable community project officer, said 160 baskets were created at the event at Ayresome Community Enterprise.

ANNUAL MEETING: The RNLI Saltburn branch is inviting people to its annual meeting at the Methodist church hall, in Milton Street, tomorrow, at 2pm. There will be a raffle and a souvenir stall and refreshments are 50p. Proceeds will go to saving lives at sea.

COFFEE MORNING: Cleve-land Afasic, the Association For All Speech Impaired Children, is holding a coffee morning on Saturday, from 10am until noon, at Marske Leisure Centre in aid of a summer playscheme. The scheme will support children with hidden disabilities and their brothers and sisters so that no one is left out.

CLASSICAL CONCERT: Classical guitarist Luigi Palumbo will be playing at Galley Hill Primary School, in Guisborough, on Friday, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 or £5 for concessions. For details call (01642) 487014.