GREAT stories of how people have transformed their lives through adult education are being sought by the organisers of next year’s Adult Learners Week Awards.

Successful applicants from the North-East could win learning vouchers worth up to £1,000.The awards - run by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) - aim to recognise the remarkable learning achievements of individuals, tutors, projects and employers.

NIACE is calling for people from across the North-East to nominate adult learners who have used learning to transform their lives and the lives of others.

Nominations are open until 5pm on Wednesday December 17 2014 and NIACE is hoping for a record number of exceptional stories that illustrate the power of learning.

David Hughes, chief executive of NIACE, said, “We want to hear the very best stories about adults of every background, age and stage who have used learning to transform their lives and the lives of their families, as well as the communities they live in and the places they work.”

A number of adult learners and organisations from North-East were recognised at the 2014 Adult Learners’ Week Awards and received a learning voucher, valued between £200 and £1,000 as well as a certificate of achievement.

David Hughes added, “Learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom, it’s happens in colleges, at universities, in schools, at work, on-line and in community centres. Wherever and however people have gained new skills and discovered new things about themselves, their career and life opportunities and the world around them, we want to hear those stories.”

Visit alw.org.uk/nominate to nominate online.