A TUTOR from Northwich has won a national accolade for his work with disabled learners.

Mark Littler, who works at the Vale Royal Disability Services (VRDS) Learning Centre, was awarded with the Learner Support Award in the national Learndirect Achievement Awards.

Mark, who Joined VRDS as a disabled volunteer in 1997, started teaching people about how to use technology to make the most of computers in 1999 and has willingly not taken any holidays since the learning centre, in Watling Street, was set up in 2002.

He said: “It’s all about giving people confidence through using adaptive technology and giving people independence.”

In July, Mark won the Learner Support Award at the north west regional ceremony and did not expect national recognition.

“I was regional winner and I was happy with that,” he said.

“I’m just happy with my learners.

“But it’s very good for the learning centre and for the organisation – it’s a shared achievement.”

During his time at the learning centre, Mark estimates he has helped several hundred people.

He has empathy with all his learners as, before he joined VRDS as a volunteer, he had no confidence in his employment prospects, despite having a university degree.

His involvement with the centre has helped him to regain his own self esteem and pass that on to others, whether they just want to gain basic skills or go on to further education and employment.

Christine Pickthall, chairman of VRDS, said: “Mark is dedicated to what he loves best, which is helping people.

“On behalf of everyone at VRDS, we’re absolutely thrilled and delighted with Mark’s award.

“Mark epitomises that with the right support and encouragement people can achieve and succeed.

“I think disabled people very often get written off and the opportunities don’t appear obvious to them but once they’re away it’s like a thirsty sponge.”