PEOPLE in Wyre Forest are celebrating after scooping top prizes at an annual awards ceremony for learning achievement.

The event, organised by the Learning and Skills Council Herefordshire and Worcestershire - LSC - rewarded individuals and organisations for their exceptional efforts during 2004.

The awards, now in their third year, were fiercely contested, with nearly 100 entries from across the two counties competing for a prize fund of more than £1,500.

Four individuals and two organisations from Wyre Forest walked away with prizes, which were presented by television personality and scientist, Johnny Ball.

Vanessa Winters, marketing and communications manager for the LSC, said: "Worcestershire's training providers have, once again, been successful in encouraging the growth and achievement of learners, many of whom have succeeded in the face of adversity."

Douglas Marshall, 19, from Kidderminster, was successful in the Young Learner - Advanced Apprenticeship category. Employed by accountants, Laud Grice, he has overcome adversity to "turn his life around".

After some turbulent times at school, Mr Marshall returned to the education system and has since excelled. He successfully completed three levels of his apprenticeship and is currently studying for level four.

Laura Quinton, 15, from Kidderminster, scooped the Young Learner - 14-16 Flexible Curriculum award.

After being hindered by a lack of confidence and poor behaviour, Laura made a "new beginning" and now has a bright future ahead.

She is currently studying for her level one NVQ at Haybridge High School.

Christopher Bush, 21, from Stourport, is celebrating after winning in the Adult Learner - Supported Learner with Skills for Life Need award.

After sustaining a brain injury in childhood, the 21-year-old's health was complicated further during his teenage years.

Christopher left school with no formal qualifications but has been "fighting back" and attends a numeracy class run by training provider, Worcester College of Technology.

Victorious in the Young Learner - Entry to Employment category was 17-year-old Daniel Higgins from Stourport.

Currently training with bedroom planners and furnishers, Woodrobes, he had worked "exceptionally hard" to overcome a lack of focus and low self-esteem to improve his team and social skills.

He is working as a fitter's mate where, he says, "he is learning all the tricks of the trade".

Employees of Forum Training have been rewarded with the Success For All - Provider Employer Engagement prize.

The company, based in Stourport, is owned by Thomas Vale Construction and directly employs six staff.

It has been offering a wide range of practical training and business development solutions since 2002.

Bewdley-based charity, Mentor Link, has been applauded for its efforts in helping schoolchildren in the area.

The organisation, which has been running for three years, was awarded the prize for the Best Education Business Link Project.

The group has been successful in setting up a network for mentors of children that did not previously exist.

About 40 volunteers give up their time to promote the benefits of learning to youngsters in Wyre Forest schools and help individuals overcome problems like bullying.