ACTOR Christopher Biggins stepped in at the last minute to make sure an awards event for local trainees and employers was a star-studded occasion. .

The former I’m a Celebrity Get me Out of Here winner presented prizes to 20 winners on the red carpet at the aspire2workawards organised by Bradford-based training organisation aspire-i .

The award winners from Bradford, Leeds and Hull were chosen from more than 1,500

learners who left school with few or no qualifications and attend aspire-igen's free courses for 16-19 year olds every year .

Employers, learning providers and young learners put forward their nominations for the four awards categories for most improved learner, most dedicated learner, high achiever and learner of the year.

Bradford's Frankie Styles scooped the most improved learner prize. After completing the programme he has secured a job with Bradford-based Windscreen Services, which was named employer of the year .

Mr Biggins stepped in after a previously booked celebrity presenter dropped out the day before the Oscar-style awards which featured life-size images of stars including Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Halle Berry and James Bond star Daniel Craig .

Joanne Dye, who runs the aspire2work study programme, said: “Our red carpet is packed with celebrities. They may not all be real but the achievements of our learners are. They have worked hard and it is fabulous to be able to celebrate their achievements.

“ The learners on the programme often faced difficulty at school, dropping out or leaving with no qualifications. Many have to overcome multiple barriers such as homelessness, mental health issues such as low self-esteem, depression or chaotic home lives.

“The aspire2work awards celebrate their achievements with red carpet treatment.”