LEARNING support assistants from all over East Lancashire gathered at the Astley Bank Hotel and Conference Centre, Darwen, for a presentation and speech night.

John Springthorpe of Manchester University was the speaker along with Jill Baker, assistant director of learning support at Blackburn with Darwen Council. At the event, certificates were presented to special support assistants for their efforts over the past year in schools.

Jill Baker (pictured, centre right) presents a certificate to special support assistant Cathy Turner (centre left), watched by John Springthorpe (back right).