THE achievements of a pensioner who went back to the classroom to learn to read and write were celebrated this week.

Betty Hetherington, 72, of Stanley, was illiterate until ten years ago, when she enrolled on an Adult Basic Education course at Derwentside College. Since then she has completed a number of courses, and is currently studying calligraphy and watercolours.

She said: "I was delighted to be nominated for this award. I certainly believe in lifelong learning and hope I can encourage other people to return to college and achieve their goals."

She is one of 27 people from Derwentside who were presented with Celebrating Success awards at a ceremony in the Empire Theatre, Consett, on Tuesday.

Among the winners was 17-year-old Stephen Westgarth of Delves Lane, near Consett.

Stephen runs a Youth Action Entertainment group which gets children under the age of 16 together every week to put on a pantomime, which he produces and directs. He also devotes up to ten hours a week managing the computer network in Delves Lane village hall.

His mother, Ann Westgarth, who is the village hall administrator, just missed out on an award for her contribution to the community, but was highly commended by judges.

The awards acknowledge individuals who have achieved outstanding personal success and made significant contributions to their local communities through education, business and the arts.

Their stories will be used in a publicity campaign next year, to inspire others from north-west Durham to achieve their aspirations and goals.

The successful nominees were presented with their awards by Derwentside role models including former World cruiserweight boxing champion Glenn McCrory, senior baritone with the English National Opera Graeme Danby and Sadie Ayton, better known as Sadie the Bra Lady.

The campaign is supported by the Local Strategic Partnership and Derwentside College and the local businesses community.