A WORKING mother was among dozens of students who proved it is never too late to learn when they celebrated their success at Bishop Auckland College's adult learners' awards evening.

Sharon Jackson, a single parent with two young children, who lives in Bishop Middleham, starts nursing training in September, three years after she started at the college with no formal qualifications.

She achieved NVQ 2 and 3 in health care while working as a volunteer in a care home on her days off. At the same time she attended evening classes to pass four GCSEs.

Police officer Carl Moss won the commitment to learning award, after being nominated by learning programmes manager Angela Shaw.

PC Moss, who lives in Darlington, combined his studies with his work as an acting sergeant at Barnard Castle.

He passed a promotion exam with some of the best marks in the country and is now studying part-time for a foundation degree in public services management.

Group winners were the painting and drawing group from Esk Gardens Community House, Crook, who helped design and produce a community sculpture. Donna Young, a former student who lectures, and Detective Constable Kevin Henry, were guest speakers.

Commitment to learning awards went to: Professional development, Denise Grantham and Sandra Hall; computing and IT, Colin Horsley, Brian Hutchinson, Susan Kennedy, Alan Lambert and John Wild; public services, Carl Moss; professional development, Alan Skinner; humanities, John Tucker.

Outstanding individuals: Business, Dianne Beaston and Beverley Whitfield; hairdressing, Claire Bishop-Thompson, Eileen Robson, Lisa Thomas and Sarah Winter; holistic therapies, Kate Bolton, Janet Hardy, Vicky Littlefair and Barbara Richardson; humanities, Debbie Dresser; computing and IT, Allen Grace, Norma Mortimer, Lynda Readman, Judith Thompson, Jill Warner and Tony Winnett; catering, Stephen Jameson; beauty therapy, Ann Marie Parker.

Outstanding groups: Wednesday evening body massage, IBT2 Aycliffe Learning Shop, Newbiggin Village Hall, CACHE STA, CLAIT Melrose Drive, CLAIT 2 Dorset Place, NCFE drawing and painting; AS sociology, IBT3 Sunnydale, Access to Higher Education art, NVQ beauty Monday evening.