TELEVISION scientist and comedian Johnny Ball will be the star at this year's annual Celebration of Learning Achievement Awards.

The event, at the Malvern Theatres on Thursday, March 31, is expected to be attended by more than 300 people.

The glittering awards ceremony, organised by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), rewards the learning achievements of local trainees, employers, provid-ers and individual project partners in 15 categories.

Nearly 100 entries from Worcestershire and Herefordshire are competing for a total prize fund of more than £1,500.

"Worcestershire and Herefordshire's training provid-ers have, once again, been successful in encouraging the growth and achievement of learners, many of whom have succeeded in the face of adversity," said Vanessa Winters, marketing and communications manager at the local LSC.

"The prestigious gala dinner and awards ceremony acknowledges and rewards the 12 months of hard work and dedication shown by our learners, providers and partners."

and we are delighted to welcome such a high quality of finalists this year."