SUCCESSFUL Island adult learners were celebrated at a special awards evening held in Ryde recently, as part of the National Festival of Learning.

16 awards were presented by the Adult Community Learning Service of the Isle of Wight Council at the Westridge event.

The awards recognised achievement in a range of subjects, and gave the opportunity to share and showcase stories.

Cllr Paul Brading, said: "The winners highlight how learning can impact people’s lives, their families and communities, inspiring other to give learning a go."

Learning awards were presented to the following:

Learning through Arts, Crafts and Culture, presented by Gioia Minghella-Giddens — Margaret and Brian Cope; Learning within the Family — Miranda Gatcum; Learning through Technology, presented by High Sheriff, Geoff Underwood — Paul Whitaker; Learning through Functional Skills, presented by Reniera O’Donnell — Connor Woolnough; Learning for Work, presented by Wendy Phillips — Rowena Millan; Social Impact — Susan Elson; Individual Learning presented by Cllr Brading — Val Petley-Shaw and Tracy Lewis; A highly commended prize was awarded to lead functional skills tutor, Jan Bull; Tutor Award — Gina Dyer; A special award, presented in memory of former Downside Middle School teacher Laura Groves — Jane Mitchell, Greenmount primary school; a highly commended award in this category went to Jane Ambridge, Gurnard pre-school.

As Jane could not attend the event, Val Munt, manager, organised a surprise presentation to acknowledge Jane's award for her SEN work, presented by Mr and Mrs Groves.

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