THE Adult Learner Awards, which recognise the achievements of adults and young people across the Borders, are seeking nominations for this year's event.

Moving into its 22nd year, the Awards ceremony gives nominees the chance to show off their learning success and to share their stories and experiences to inspire others to develop their own aspirations through education.

Councillor Carol Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Children and Young People, said: “These awards provide us with such an invaluable opportunity to hear the inspirational stories of individuals and groups who have overcome significant barriers and sought to improve their life chances through some form of learning.

"As a result, they have developed new skills, increased their confidence and followed their dreams. They have also made important contributions to their families, their workplaces, their communities and most importantly, recognised their own self-worth.

“As always, I look forward to hearing about the learning journeys made by each of this year’s nominees, not only in terms of what they have achieved but also the personal development that they will have undertaken as part of that journey.”

The Awards are broken into seven categories which are open to any nominees who live in the Borders.

The categories are: Young Learner (aged 16 to 25), Learner in the Workplace, Mature Learner (aged 50 and over), Learning in a Group, Learning in the Community, Accredited Learning and Learning Through Volunteering.

Borderers can be nominated for an award by family, friends, tutors and colleagues.

Claire Penny, Executive Officer at Volunteer Centre Borders, added: “Adult learning programmes have changed many people’s lives by being part of their journeys of self-development and inspiring them to better themselves by embracing opportunities to learn.

"These awards are a celebration of both our adult learning programmes and the invaluable role of volunteering within the Borders, something that we must work together to sustain and maintain.

"It means that whoever you are, however old you are and wherever you live there can be opportunities to learn, progress and be involved.

"Much of this would not be possible without the contribution of volunteers who, not only transform organisations but empower individuals and communities.”

The Awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, April 2 at Earlston High School.

Nominations close at 12pm on Friday, February 21 and can be made using the form available from the Volunteer Centre Borders at www.vcborders.org.uk