PEOPLE who returned to education and training later in life were yesterday rewarded for their outstanding efforts and achievements.

Adult learners across Darlington were commended for their successes at a ceremony in the town, which was held to mark the end of Adult Learners' Week.

Many of the town's dignitaries attended the event at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena to pay tribute to the ten individuals and groups whose achievements were celebrated.

Five individuals - Patricia Hooper, Helen Williamson, Tracy Dunn, Patricia Williams and Paul Blyth - and five groups - next step computers, helping in school, introduction to volunteering, beginners' IT and part-time pathways - were all given awards for the contribution they had made to learning later in life.

Winners included mother-of-two Mrs Williamson, 40, who left school in 1982 with no qualificiations, but decided to enrol in an IT course after beating a serious illness, and wanting to keep up with her children's knowledge of technology. She now hopes to find a job in administration.

"After leaving school with nothing, I am getting 97 per cent in some of my exams," she said. "I'm really pleased with myself and my children are very proud."

The beginners' IT group is based at the town's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College and has 12 members.

Karen Williamson, development officer at Darlington Learning Partnership, said: "Some were absolutely terrified to return to a classroom situation, some had computer phobia, some needed an IT qualification for work.

"The group quickly gelled, worked together and supported each other to overcome their problems."

At yesterday's ceremony, attended by winners and their families, the achievements of all ten were hailed as being "outstanding".

David Heaton, chairman of the Darlington Learning Partnership, said it was a special event to celebrate special achievements.

"We are here celebrating their achievements throughout the community, and there are great success stories to be told," he said. "This means a great deal to the people receiving these awards and also to those involved in the teaching process."

Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Eleanor Lister - attending her first public engagement as mayor - also paid tribute.

"You have all made a great effort to go back into education and I am really pleased to help celebrate that effort," she said.