Lisa O’Brien, now 37, was in her 30s before she decided to take a course at Whitby Community College to qualify as a teaching assistant.

She said: “I was sick of pulling pints as a barmaid.

“I’d been doing it for 18 years and I wanted to work in the public sector because I believe I can make a difference to others.

“I thought I would be happy working with children or old people.”

Lisa gained six merits on a Diploma in Health and Social Care course she took at the college and is now a member of its learning support team.

She was also mentor to a 14-year-old boy, a role she described as “just talking” but it was her understanding of the challenges faced by young people in the community that made the difference.

Her own decision to go to college put her on a learning journey full of challenges. She had never used a computer or the internet and to add to her difficulties she suffered a range of health problems.

But Lisa was determined to change her lifestyle by gaining those vital qualifications. Having made her decision, she showed her staying power by continuing to study from home on a laptop while recovering from operations.

She said: “Learning to me means I can have better prospects in any career I choose and I can pass the experiences I have had on to other people who choose to follow a similar path.”

She is also determined her own daughters will reach their full potential.

Now Lisa’s achievement is to be recognised with the presentation to her of a Regional Individual Learner Award from the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education.

She said: “My life has changed so much.

“I hope one day I can express to others how you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it.”

David Lammy, Minister for Skills, said: “I never fail to be inspired by the stories I hear about learners’ achievements.

“Lisa’s hard work confirms my belief that improving your skills can be a life changing experience.”

Lisa will be presented with her award at Yorkshire and Humber Adult Learners’ Week in Leeds on Tuesday.

Anyone interested in learning, whether it’s for pleasure, to refresh or learn new skills or to fill gaps in their CV, or to aim at a new job or promotion can go along to Whitby’s Adult Learning Day.

At the event, the Whitby Learning Task Group will offer interactive learning sessions, information, advice and guidance on all learning needs.

It will take place at the Tourist Information Centre on Thursday, 10am-4pm and is being supported by North Yorkshire County Council Adult Learning Service, Green Lane Business Centre, Jet Coast Development Trust, Connexions, Surestart, University of Hull, Whitby Fishing School, Workers Educational Association, Yorkshire Coast College and the Open University.