WORCESTER residents who are learning new skills in the face of adversity have been honoured at the third annual Celebration of Learning Achievement Awards.

The awards, which took place at Malvern Theatres saw several individuals from the city scoop top prizes for their efforts in 2004.

More than 300 people attended the glittering ceremony organised by the Learning and Skills Council (local LSC). The event rewarded the learning achievements of local trainees, employers, providers and individual project partners in 15 categories.

Nearly 100 entries from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire competed for a total prize fund of £1,500. BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester presenter Katie Johnson was the host for the evening, and television favourite, Johnny Ball, presented the awards.

Susan Millington, aged 49, of Whittington, near Worcester, won the adult progression award after being nominated by BTCV - the British Trust of Conservation Volunteers.

A chronic asthma sufferer and a carer to her wheelchair-bound son, Susan is now keen to go on to study Humanities at degree level.

Kate Jennings, 22, from Worcester, was the post-16 learner winner. She left school at 17 to join the Army, but following an accident while undergoing training, she enrolled at Worcester College where she has been described as "exceptional student."

At the same time, Christopher Brown, 24, from St Peter's, was highly commended in the "Young Learner - Advanced Apprentice" award.

Nominated by training provider Midshire Training Services - part of the Worcestershire Group Training Association - Chris has been described as an inspiration by both his tutors and fellow learners.

Keen to persevere with his studies, Chris often meets his tutors at 6am following the end of a shift at his job at Yamazaki (Mazak) in Worcester.

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

"This prestigious dinner acknowledged and rewarded the 12 months of hard work and dedication shown by our learners, providers and partners and we were delighted to welcome such a high quality of finalists."