A FORMER factory worker has won a national award after he turned his life around to train as an occupational therapist.

Robbie Mallows, 43, of Consett, is this year's National Adult Learners' Week Winner after he was picked ahead of more than 1,300 nominees.

After he opted for redundancy at the age of 41, he returned to education on an adult access course at Derwentside College.

Mr Mallows excelled on the course and gained one of only 52 places to study occupational therapy at Northumbria University out of 2,000 applicants.

He said: "I had left school 27 years ago and had worked in a supermarket and then a factory.

"It was only when I received some physiotherapy after I had had a sports injury that I realised that it was the career I wanted.

"It was really daunting going back to education but, since then, I have never looked back."

He is due to receive his award at a ceremony in London on May 23.

He said: "Becoming a national award winner was both a great shock and a boost to the morale.

"It is such an honour to receive this award and I am really looking forward to the presentation day."