Adults and young people from across the Bradford district were recognised for their achievements in gaining employment and training at a special ceremony last night.

Bradford Council’s Skills for Work service hosted the event at City Hall to reward people who have overcome barriers such as mental or physical disabilities.

A total of ten awards were handed out at the ceremony, which also recognised the input of employers that have supported the programme.

Among the winners was Joanne Walmsley, 22, of Bingley, who received the Train to Gain award after improving her customer service skills by working with The Children’s Society in Keighley.

She said: “I never expected to get anything like this in my life. I have enjoyed learning about a customer service environment and improving my skills. All the staff have been very supportive in helping me gain my qualifications.”

Sainsbury’s Keighley store, which has provided placement and job opportunities, scooped the Employer Recognition Award.

HR manager Sarah Goodison said: “We feel really proud and quite humbled. We were up against such a lot of competition. We are really proud of what we have done to help the people of Keighley to get back into work.”

Phillip Matthews, 53, was named Learner of the Year for Keighley after being promoted to a security officer at the town’s Asda store, where he started as a sales assistant at the end of last year.

Other winners included Gillian Croft, who received the Adult Apprentice of the Year award and Andrew Kay, David Horne and Tracey Hughes, who received Learner of the Year awards.