COLLEGE lecturer Alison Willis is to travel to the Millennium Dome to receive a national award for teaching adults.

Alison, who left school at 16, became a college lecturer after building up her career through part-time classes.

She was nominated by her boss at York College, Kay Christie, and her students.

Alison, 41, from Acomb, teaches evening classes in A-level English literature, language and communication studies.

She left Derwent Secondary Modern School at 16 and did a variety of jobs before starting part-time A-level courses in English Literature and Sociology at 19. She was working as a hotel chamber maid and receptionist in York at the same time as going to the classes at York College.

The A-levels led to a degree course in English Literature. She then did a part-time teacher training course, did her teaching practice at York College and was offered a job.

She said: "I hadn't a clue when I started my A-level courses - I had no confidence. I was always good at English at school, but school was not an academic experience at all."

Alison will travel to the Dome next Friday to receive her award from Educating Rita playwright Willy Russell at a ceremony to celebrate adult learning.

It has been arranged as part of the Sign Up Now campaign, organised by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education. Alison won a highly commended award in the Adult Tutor Awards section.

PICTURE: NATIONAL ACCLAIM: Alison Willis who teaches English literature, English language and communication studies at York College who is to receive a national award in adult learning at the Millennium Dome

Picture: David Harrison