NOMINATIONS are being taken for an awards ceremony to celebrate adult learning.

The newly-created Learning and Skills Council County Durham is urging learners to enter and get their achievements recognised.

Adult Learners Week will take place from May 12 to May 18 and award ceremonies will be held throughout the county.

Organisers are now encouraging tutors and individuals to nominate students or friends and relatives who they feel have improved their own lives or the lives of others as a result of learning.

Austin McNamara, the council's executive director, said: "In previous years the awards have unearthed incredible stories of people showing real determination in overcoming personal hurdles to enable them to continue learning."

The awards are organised by adult education networks which are made up of community education bodies, the voluntary sector and colleges.

Anyone interested in nominating someone for the awards should contact Andrea Atkinson at the Learning Skills Council County Durham on (01325) 372742.