EMPLOYERS, apprentices and adult learners assembled from all across the North West to celebrate the Alliance Learning Awards Evening last week.

The ceremony, now in its 23rd year, aims to give recognition to the hard work and dedication of learners, as well as to thank the businesses that support them.

Held at the MBDA Ltd. Headquarters in Lostock, the awards played host to more than 100 guests, including Mayor, Cllr Carole Swarbrick and Mayoress Mrs Jaleh Hayes.

The event was hosted by Alliance Learning chairman David Gavan, with chief executive Julie Robinson also on hand to present awards to the 13 category winners.

Among the awards given was the coveted ‘Apprentice of the Year 2014’, which was taken home by Dayna Crabtree from Whitefield House Residential Home, who was praised by Gavan for making “a positive impact on the residents' lives”.

Speaking at the end of the evening, Julie Robinson said: “I’d like to extend my congratulations to everyone who was nominated for an award this year.

“It’s been a pleasure to work alongside you and help provide the training which companies need to develop strong and capable workforces to help take businesses from strength to strength in the coming years.”