The Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley and Connexions Tees Valley have extended the Celebration of Learning Awards 2003.

Previously, the awards were only open to people aged between 13 and 19.

But the Young Adult Achiever Award welcomes nomination from people aged 19 to 25 who are learning and working in the arts, sports, business, health and care, technology, engineering, construction, retail and volunteering.

Pam Eccles, Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley executive director, said: "They may have achieved against all odds, battled against adversity, or gone above and beyond those who have gone before.

"Their ideas and achievements may have instigated a change at work or in their training, and they may have succeeded where others had failed."

Fiona Blacke, chief executive of Connexions Tees Valley, said: "Overall we are looking for that person who stands out as an example for all those who know them. They have made a difference to their own lives."

To request a nomination form for the Young Adult Achiever Award call (01325) 383886, or download one from websites at the www.connexionsteesvalley.co.uk or www.lsc.gov.uk/teesvalley