BUDDING linguists who made their love of languages understood received warm words of praise for their efforts.

Almost 130 adult learners completed German, Spanish, Greek, French, Italian, Portuguese and Urdu courses with Bury's lifelong learning service last year which had been declared the European Year of Languages.

Their achievements were recognised in two presentation ceremonies at Bury Town Hall's Elizabethan Suite. For many students, the language lessons had been their first taste of education in decades.

Certificates were presented and tributes paid by the deputy mayor, Councillor Bill Johnson, and cabinet member for lifelong learning, Coun Steve Perkins.

Curriculum support worker Joyce Patchias said: "The commitment and determination shown by all those attending was really encouraging.

"To return to study for many people is a daunting prospect, which is a shame as adult learners usually find that once they have taken the plunge and enrolled that they thoroughly enjoy it."

Student Jane Fisher added: "I would recommend it to anyone to try.

"You never know, holidays to foreign lands may take on a whole new feel."