The Vale of Glamorgan Council's Art Central gallery hosted the annual Inspire Learner Awards, which recognise the achievements of adult learners across Cardiff and the Vale.

Organised by the Vale and Cardiff Adult Learning Network, the event was attended by more than 100 guests from partnership organisations that provide learning and volunteering opportunities.

Council services such as Adult Community Learning, libraries, the 50 plus strategy group and Flying Start are among those bodies, along with the likes of Careers Wales, Communities4Work, Cardiff and Vale College, Cardiff Met University, Glamorgan Voluntary Service and Jobcentre Plus.

Each year the network takes part in the annual Adult Learners Week festival, organised by Learning and Work Institute Wales, with the Inspire Awards the culmination.

Those shortlisted for awards had been nominated by tutors, mentors and staff after participating in a wide range of learning and training opportunities, including Essential Skills Maths and English, First Steps Engagement Learning, vocational training, computer and Welsh courses.

In some cases the learners have overcome disabilities and other obstacles such as confidence, anxiety and mental health issues to achieve their goals and be recognised by their tutors as inspirational to other learners.

Presentations were made by Cllr Lis Burnett, Deputy Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration and Janine Bennett, Dean of Cardiff and Vale College.

Guests were welcomed to the event by Senior Librarian Rhodri Matthews, while Culture and Community Learning Manager Phil Southard acted as master of ceremonies.

Cllr Burnett said: "This was a special evening, which I wouldn't have missed for the world. There were so many inspirational stories and it was heart-warming to see the strong supportive bonds between students and their tutors.

"I'd like to pass on my thanks for a wonderful evening, which has created such happy memories for the students and their proud families."