A 55-year-old Lisburn man has been celebrating after scooping a major award for his determination and drive in returning to classes to improve his reading and writing skills.

Before William Stewart started literacy classes at South Eastern Regional College he was in a full-time job but could only read and write his own name.

Yesterday he was named the overall Essential Skills Learner of the Year at the Department for Employment and Learning’s annual Essential Skills Award Ceremony at Hillsborough Castle.

Six regional award winners were honoured at the ceremony and there were 17 highly commended entries. This year there were also three new award categories for ICT Learner of the Year, Trade Union Learner of the Year and an Outstanding Contribution to Learning award.

This is the second year of the Essential Skills Awards which were established to recognise outstanding achievements in literacy, numeracy and ICT learning.

William, a father-of-two who currently works in Lilliput Services in Dunmurry, was diagnosed with dyslexia after starting on his course at the college.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to have won this top award. I decided to brush up on my skills last year as I was determined to improve my reading and writing, which I’ve struggled with throughout my adult life.

“It took a lot of courage for me to face my fears and enrol on a course but I am so glad I did. My world has become a different place since learning how to read and write.

“I have developed a real passion for learning and aim to enrol in other courses in the future.”

Anne Curran, William’s tutor at South Eastern Regional College in Lisburn, said: “It took a colossal amount of courage for him to face his fears and, at the age of 55, walk into a classroom.

“When he walks down the street he can now read traffic signs and names of high street shops, as well as safety signs at work. He can also read the destinations of his homeward-bound buses, so no longer needs to check with his neighbours in the queue.

“William is a one-man advertisement for lifelong learning. He’s a determined and driven person.”

Before returning to learning, William went to great lengths to hide the fact he could not read. However, he has now become a campaigner for adult literacy and has even requested his local library stock more age appropriate books for adult learners.

Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey emphasised the need for the Government and individuals to commit to skills and training.

He said: “Since we launched our Essential Skills strategy in 2002 almost 45,000 people have achieved qualifications in English, Maths and ICT.

“The hard work by everyone involved — tutors, colleges, training organisations, employers, unions and Sector Skills Councils — has transformed the lives and prospects of thousands of adults and their families.

“These awards are a fantastic way of acknowledging the enormous commitment to learning by adults of all ages and from all backgrounds.”

“Better skills improve the life chances of not only the learners but also their families. Skills help people get into work, enhance their job prospects, provide a stepping stone to further qualifications and improve their children’s educational attainment.”