SOME 21 adults from across the county were picking up respect plus gift vouchers in an award ceremony last night (Thursday) designed to recognise those who have improved their lives, or those of others, as a result of learning.

John Nellist, Cumbria's director of education, presented the annual Adult Learners' Week Awards at an event staged at Rheged, near Penrith.

Three of the regional winners will now be heading to London for an additional prize of a £200 learning voucher after being selected from 738 nominations to be among the national winners, up to eight of which were selected from each English region.

In South Lakeland, Lynn Whitehead, of Greengate, Kendal, clinched that honour.

Among the county's winners in the North West region receiving a certificate and a £20 gift voucher for their endeavours were:

Elizabeth Chapman, 41, of Caroline Street, Kendal, who returned to study after 24 years. She is now working on courses in Psychology and Human Physiology at Kendal College to fulfil a life-long ambition to become a nurse.

Eileen Dobson, of Crosthwaite, who at 64 has started her own hairdressing salon offering head massages and cosmetics following a plethora of beauty courses at Kendal College. She has caught the learning bug and is carrying on with her studies by learning sign language. "The more I learn, the more I want to learn," she said, adding that she would encourage people thinking of picking up a course to "go and try it". "Support is always there if you want it. Confidence comes with help and support."

Matthew McDonald, of Clappersgate, near Ambleside. The 22-year-old went to Kendal College to study in Travel and Tourism after deciding that he really wanted to get to university. Tutor Steve Ingle praised Mr McDonald's commitment and enthusiasm. "By paying his own tuition fees and working many hours he is a huge inspiration to his peers and future students."

David Lock, 39, from Holme, who completed a series of advanced computer qualifications after being made redundant from an IT job. Sue Richardson, of Jobcentre Plus, who nominated Mr Lock said he had coped well with joining a college class dominated by youngsters. The course helped him get a job with an NHS IT department.

Mark Brown, 39, of Burland Grove, Kendal. Ms Richardson also nominated Mr Brown who pursued computer qualifications after losing his job as a result of the foot-and-mouth crisis. Mr Brown said he had gained confidence from the experience and is planning to go to university now "to improve the quality of life for myself and my young family".

Anthony Woods, of Hale, near Milnthorpe, was another to pass through Jobcentre Plus and decide to go for some computer qualifications. The 53-year-old took part in the Education and Training Option of New Deal 25+ and completed a City and Guilds diploma in IT. Ms Richardson congratulated Mr Woods on his courage to go back into the classroom. "Tony has proved that it is never too late to get qualifications even in modern technology."

May 9, 2003 09:30