A CARE home worker who went from being an activities co-ordinator to managing a residential dementia care unit has won a regional learning award.

Val McLoughlin, from Chester-le-Street, has won a Regional Individual Award as part of the 20th annual Adult Learners' Week.

The 44-year-old will be presented with her award at a ceremony in Durham Cathedral on Friday, May 20.

Ms McLoughlin worked as an activities co-ordinator in a large care home and often wanted to discuss the care of residents with colleagues, but felt her opinion would not count as she had no vocational qualifications.

However, she went to East Durham College and passed her NVQ3 in Health and Social Care in 2008 and went on to complete Level Two Team Leading, Level Four Management Skills, NVQ2 with the Keep Fit Association, a certificate in aromatherapy and a certificate for the safe administration of medication.

Armed with her new skills, she became deputy manager of the care home and two years ago became manager of Lindisfarne EMI Residential unit, in Chester-le-Street.

She said: "My life has changed for the better and I loved every minute of my learning to get to where I am now.

"If you are willing to learn and put the work in, the results are astonishing."

Janet Lawrence, an assessor at East Durham College, said: "I can honestly say she has a thirst for learning and a commitment to improve the service she provides for all vulnerable adults.

"Val to this day continues to strive and self-develop and has recently enrolled with us on a Level Five Diploma in Management".