ADULT Learners' Week is the time of year when students on the other side of 21 are praised for their commitment and talents in education.

Accrington and Rossendale College held its Annual Adult Learners' Award Ceremony which honoured exceptional achievements by mature students.

At the same time the Regional Language Network North West celebrated the number of adults turning to language study any time up to the age of 80.

The college awarded all levels of achievement from basic literacy and numeracy, up to graduates from the degree programme, as part of the national initiative aimed at attracting adults back into education.

Also to coincide with Adult Learning Week from May 10-16, the RLN NW encouraged adults to get involved with learning a foreign language.

Lecturer Cristina Sousa said: "It is never too late to start learning languages. There is a popular misconception that only the young can pick up new languages but this could not be further from the truth.

"In many cases mature students are more committed to their learning and can achieve better results. Whether it is for business or leisure, adult learning can add another dimension."

Award winners at the college included: Lesley Rowe, Mel Newman, Natalie Walton, Giuseppe D'Angelo , Gulmuwaz Khan Raja, Pam Stowell, Muhammed Rahman, Gael Atherton, Katrina Lowe, Deborah Kelleher, Jane McKenna, Ian Taylor, Janet Berkon, Nicola Oxley, Bev Rowley, Kathleen Gardner, Denise Forshaw, Ayesha Azfa, Nina Phillips, Darren Ridgway, Angela Hubbard, Vincent Ashton, Jane Baron, Shanaz Hussain, Maria Imelda Wray, Alwyn Jackson, Karen L Taylor, Alwyn Jackson, Katrina Lowe.