BOLTON's Community Education Service has scored a double when it comes to adult learning.

Two students have achieveded academic and vocational success in a national awards scheme which is aimed at encouraging young and old into the world of learning.

For Kelly Stott and Christine Skiffington, the CES has opened up a whole new world.

Mother of two Kelly enrolled with the CES three years ago, first on a Women Returners' Course then studying for NVQs in child care and education. When she first joined the classes Kelly's self confidence was at an all-time low. A single mother of two who left school with no formal qualifications, she missed out on the opportunities many of her contemporaries were enjoying.

Now she runs a successful mother and toddler group at Wolfenden Community Centre, works as a volunteer in her daughter's school and works as a community nutritional assistant.

Three years ago all this would have been unheard of but nowadays life has undergone a revolution and on Monday, to coincide with the start of Adult Learners Week, Kelly who lives in Haliwell, will receive an individual adult learners' award.

She will be joined on the podium by mother of four Dorothy Skiffington, 56, who suffered a massive brain haemorrhage, then lay in a coma for two years.

When Dorothy, who lives in Breightmet, regained consciousness, she found the basic skills she once took so glibly for granted had deserted her. She then turned to the CES for help to again get her on her feet and into the world of learning.

Christine first joined a word processsing class at the CES headquarters in Clarence Street.

"I thought this could give my fingers the mobility they had lost and would give me my confidence back," explained Christine.

A basic French course was then pursued and then The Learning Shop in Newport Street approached.

Again learning word processing skills courses were embarked on and Christine swiftly progressed through the ranks.

After 12 months Christine was joined by her husband Dennis who soon realised that after leaving her at the doors of The Learning Shop he then went into town and "simply spent money".

It was Christine's inner strength and determination which prompted her tutor Margaret Stephenson to nominate her for an individual adult learner award. She, like Kelly, will celebrate alongside three others from the North West region who have each received individual adult learner awards.

"We're absolutely delighted to have two of the five adult learner award winners from the North West region being from Bolton's Community Education Service. It really is a remarkable achievement," said a spokesman for the CES.

Adult Learners' Week is the country's biggest celebration of lifelong learning and an international trendsetter aimed at encouraging more into the world of further education, either vocational or non-vocational.

In 1995 almost 10,000 people contact services across the country which provide an educational base. More than half of those who rang the helpline were unemployed. This year the helplines will be open from 10am-8pm on 0800 100 900 for advice, guidance and information.

For a copy of the "free Your Potential" leaflet, contact: Adult Learners Week, Freepost, Rotherham, c/of Cambertown, Commercial Road, Goldthorpe Industrial Estate, Unit 8, Rotherham S63 9BR.

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