LIFELONG learning is again to be celebrated in Basingstoke after the runaway success of last year's first-ever Adult Learner Awards.

Today sees the launch of the second awards, following the pledge in 2003 that the event would become an annual fixture on the local calendar.

It is designed to put the spotlight on an army of people who continue to better their lives and careers with courses and qualifications.

The awards were the brainchild of Beverley Flanagan, marketing and communications director at Basingstoke College of Technology, which organises the event.

When they were launched in 2003, Mrs Flanagan said: "I was at an adult learners conference and it occurred to me that it would be a great idea to have regional awards. It would be an opportunity for the borough to celebrate adult learning."

As the search for excellence gets under way for 2004, she added: "Last year raised the profile of adult learning and now we want to take it to another level."

Although the awards are organised by BCOT, they are open to all adult learners, many of whom go home or to college to study after a hard day's work. The age span of last year's winners ranged from teenagers to octogenarians.

Judith Armstrong, principal of BCOT and herself an adult learner for many years, said: "Lifelong learning is so important for the community. It allows people to improve their careers, change career or embark on an altogether different path."

Last year there were 120 entries. Four from last year are now going forward to this year's national awards.

The 2004 awards will be staged at the Apollo Hotel in Basingstoke on May 18, during the national Adult Learners' Week, when there will be six categories up for grabs - Senior Learner, Employee Learner, Lifetime Achievement Award, HE Learner, Individual or Community Learner and Top Tutor.

Winners from the various categories will have the chance to win the overall Adult Learner of the Year Award.

Each category has a first prize of £150, and all winners and two runners-up from each will receive a framed certificate to mark their achievements.

Gazette Newspapers and Basingstoke council are already on board as sponsors of the Adult Learner Awards.

Urging more sponsors to sign up, Mark Jones, editor of Gazette Newspapers, said: "The awards are a platform for celebrating the success of individuals of all ages.

"Last year's awards were an inspiration and this year will be equally impressive."

Application forms will soon be available on The Gazette's website at www.thisisbasing stoke.co.uk and the BCOT website at www.bcot.ac.uk

They will also be available from Gazette offices in Church Street and Pelton Road, local bookshops, community areas, supermarkets and libraries.

Closing date for entries is April 16. More information is available from Andrew Hiscox at BCOT on 01256 306397.