TWO unsung workers based in Radcliffe have been highly commended in a national awards scheme.

Paul Warde (35) and Julie Brick (37) from Bury Lifelong Learning Service based in Radcliffe, were celebrating after attending the STAR Awards Ceremony in London.

Paul, an ICT mobile unit technician from Ramsbottom, was highly commended for outstanding learning support, for the difference he has made to managers, tutors, and learners in the service.

Paul helps family learning staff, provides support in the main centres, produces newsletters and provides technical IT support to everyone.

Julie, from Heaton in Bolton, a programme manager for widening participation, was also highly commended in the adult and community learning tutor of the year prize category. She provides creative learning opportunities for under-represented adults, and she has helped to increase learner numbers over the last -two years. Those short-listed were selected from 1,600 nominations.

The STAR awards scheme was launched in November 2003 to recognise the achievements of the unsung heroes working in the learning and skills sector.