EIGHTY seven students – including an 84 year old widow- were among those to gain certificates and awards from a Wisbech training centre. Learn Direct helps those looking to improve skills ranging from numeracy and literacy to IT and on Monday many of thos

EIGHTY seven students - including an 84 year old widow- were among those to gain certificates and awards from a Wisbech training centre.

Learn Direct helps those looking to improve skills ranging from numeracy and literacy to IT and on Monday many of those successful in completing courses received their awards.

The presentation ceremony was held at the Learn Direct offices in Church Mews, and 30 of the students turned up personally to receive their award during a special ceremony.

The awards were presented by John Elworthy, news editor of the Wisbech Standard, who congratulated those present on their success.

"I know for many of you these awards represent a personal challenge and you should be very proud of your accomplishments," he said.

"The skills and qualifications available to you through Learn Direct can put you on the road to perhaps gaining a job for the first time, gaining a better job or simply plugging gaps in your education. Whatever your reason for taking part, your success is reason to celebrate."

Oldest recipient of an award was Olive Saddington, an 84 year old widow who said she enrolled for an IT course after her husband died and her grandson encouraged her to buy a computer and use emails.

"The experience has helped considerably to offset the loneliness created by the death of my husband and it helps to fill the hours with a creative interest," she said.

The centre now trains hundreds of people each year and on February 9 will be holding a skills and qualifications open day at their Wisbech office.

Contact: Learn Direct, tel 01945 589417, for details.

# The 30 students who collected their awards on Monday were;

Shaun Biggadyke

Lisa Buck

Jodie Chatters

Paul Cook

Carl Cooper

Eloise Cott

Paul Cunnington

Robert Doughty

Marion Ellerby

Sally Garford-Taylor

Caroline Guy

Jessica Harris

Tracey Harris

Julie Hogwood

Stephen Jones

Daniel Kaleta

Andrew Kerridge

Lesley Knowles

Pedro Lopes

Vicki-Ann Mann

Trevor Manton

Tanya Peacock

Anne-Marie Rogers

Olive Saddington

David Seal

Bernadette Somerset

Vanessa Willden

Michelle Witham

Stephen Woodbridge

Eleyas Zendik