ADULT learners celebrated in style after reaching personal goals in education.

Darlington’s mayor Ian Haszeldine hosted an awards ceremony and reception for people from all walks of life who proved they were never too old to learn.

The annual ceremony marked national Adult Learners’ Week and involved students from Darlington College, Queen Elizabeth’s Sixth Form College, Darlington Arts Centre, Darlington Borough Council, the Morrison’s Trust and the Workers’ Education Association.

A packed council chamber at Darlington Town Hall heard details of learners’ commitment to self-improvement.

Many had returned to their studies decades after leaving school. Others had conquered health and family issues to achieve their qualifications. Most had returned to the classroom to improve their prospects.

Coun Haszeldine, who has studied at university in Sunderland and Birmingham, said: “We do not celebrate achievements enough in Darlington and achievements like these should be sung from the rooftops.

“As adults we are setting the best possible example as what we are doing is encouraging young people to consider the merits of education.”

He added: “We have an excellent range of providers in Darlington and great access to university. Darlington feels like a learning town and learning can change people’s lives.”

Among the winners was Darlington College student electrician Gary Donald, who took just over a week to achieve modules in key skills and communications that normally take months of study.

“I couldn’t have done this without the college’s support,” he said.

Darlington College students also achieved group wards for adult numeracy and health and social care apprenticeships.

Guest speaker was deputy editor of The Northen Echo Chris Lloyd. He said: “Life is one long learning adventure of gaining different skills and it’s great that we can celebrate their achievements.”

The winners' list in full - Individual awards Marcin Repec, Darlington Arts Centre; Gary Donald, Darlington College; Flora Meredith Libraries and Community Learning; Roseanne Harker, Libraries and Community Learning; Richard Booth, Morrison Trust; Graham Chaplain QE6; and Sue Dobson, Workers’ Education Association.

Group Awards Weaving; Darlington Arts Centre, Alan Boughey, Ann Craig, Linda Conroy, Lesley Frankton, Greta Foulds, Win Grabham, Les Joss, Claire Large, Emma Major, Maggie Nicholls, Rene Powell, Sue Reed, Lane Rothwell, Alan Fairburn.

Adult numeracy workshop; Darlington College, Jonny Baker, Mark Beasley, Dawn Boughey, Donna Dykes, Gayle English, Michael Farquharson, Lee Garthwaite, Natalie Henderson, Emma Hunter, Lisa Jennings, Ben and David McCormick, Kirsty Pederson, Claire Roberts, Ruth Shukla, Maureen Warren and Judith Willis.

Health and Social Care Apprenticeship/NVQ; Darlington College, Susan Aldus, Marie Brown, Jodie-Ann Cardie, Robert Carlin, Jaclyn Cowley, Angela Farry, Anita Francis, Amanda Gibson, Julie Hammond, Colin Hicks, Grace Madzongonye, Lynn McGarvie, Helen McManamon, Kathy Megginson, David Metcalfe, Lydia Smith and Helen Willmott.

Digital camera; Libraries and Community Learning, Lesley Adamson, Sheila Catton, Brian Gable, Helen Hammond, Jack Hutchinson, Gloriana Morehead, Lynn Reed, Liz Rose, Joan Scott and Neil Sturgeon.

L2 Key skills communication; Libraries and Community Learning, Melissa Curtis, Deborah Latimer, Abigail Parlour, Marie Phillips, Angela Smith, Marie Stevenson and Lisa Waterson.

Polish beginners stage 1; Queen Elizabeth’s Sixth Form College, Helen Downes, Benjamin Hodgson, Gillian Latter, John Morris, Simon Rek, Desmond Scott and Glen Thompson.