WILTSHIRE Scrapstore is celebrating this week after winning a national competition for its work with adult learners.

Directors Jane Wheeler and Glynis Cosgrove hosted a celebration barbecue on Saturday evening for staff and volunteers at the Bowden Hill site in Lacock after it won the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education social award.

The scrapstore collects resources that would otherwise go to landfill and redistributes them for creative projects of all kinds, from arts and crafts to DIY.

It also educates the local community on recycling, reusing and upcycling to help reduce the impact on the environment.

It runs a training programme for volunteers to give them opportunities to build their own skill base, increase their confidence and enable them to meet their full potential. The trainees are able to gain a wealth of experience that will aid them towards paid employment.

Mrs Wheeler said: "It was really exciting to be nominated for this prestigious award.

“I had to go to London last Monday to collect the award at an annual awards ceremony held to celebrate adult learners week. The award is a tribute to everyone who contributes to this scrapstore project.”

The scrapstore also won a £1,000 prize which will go toward learning resources, including an overhead projector.

Five learners have completed the programme so far, three of whom continue to volunteer and another is in part-time work. One learner has proved so successful that they had to leave the program early to take up a full time job.

Learner James Harrison said: “Working on the programme at the Scrapstore has made a big difference to my life. I feel more positive about myself and my abilities.

"My communication skills have improved in particular, which has been a huge confidence boost. I have Asperger’s syndrome and I’m partially deaf, so communicating in a workplace environment is something that is challenging for me.”