BUSINESSES, schools and community groups' achievements in helping young people gain vital employment skills were celebrated with an awards dinner at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium.

The Solent Skill Quest Recognition of Achievement awards honoured teachers, students, business managers, community representatives and residents.

Award winners were young and old. Star of the night was 2004 Silver Surfer of the Year pensioner Dennis Rodgers, who overcame dyslexia to become a regular user of the Ford UK Online Centre in Swaythling.

The year saw more than 1,000 businesses team up with local schools, with 500 volunteer mentors from companies and 4,000 students gaining employment skills and a further 3,500 low skill workers getting training.

Daily Echo editor Ian Murray introduced the awards and Mike McCann, chief executive of the National education Business Partnership Network, praised the work of Solent Skill Quest in bringing business and education together.

Angela Wright, chief executive of Solent Skill Quest, said: "We have had a fantastic year and are delighted to recognise the achievements of our partner organisations, young people and adult learners".

AWARD WINNERS:

Teacher who developed the most innovative project - Richard Wilcox of Crestwood School; Business supporting curriculum innovation - Philips Semiconductors and Skandia Life; Business supporting volunteering - HSBC; Volunteer demonstrating most successful business relationship - John Bullen, Wildern School; School co-ordinator best supporting a volunteer programme - Mercedes Hernandez of Regents Park School; Teacher developed best work-related learning programme - Gail Taylor, The Toynbee School; Best work-related training experience for students - Martin Nutbeam, Eastleigh College; Employer providing best work-related training experience for students - WS Kirk; Students who maximised their learning experience - Lewis Perkins, Cantell School and Matt Cozens, The Melbourne Centre; Teacher who maximised placement experience and established a strong business link - Caroline Smith, Kings School; Business going the extra mile to provide a beneficial experience - Price Waterhouse Coopers; Business and school developing the most innovative approach to materials for enterprise - IBM and Kings School; Entrepreneurial head teacher - Anne Steele-Arnett of St Mark's Primary School; Business making the greatest contribution to the school/community - Rok; Individual promoting workforce professional development - Hossein Khajavi, Amports and Sally Willis, HC3S; Organisation responding to training needs - Holbeck Associates; Community or voluntary organisation demonstrating innovative partnership working - Swaythling Housing; Individual achieving success in learning - Dennis Rodgers, Ford UK Online Centre.