A group of 17 people from SureStart North Halifax, Park Community Initiative and Ovenden and Mixenden Initiative have successfully passed the Open College Community Development Certificate.

The graduates received their certificates, which are equal to GCSE or A Level standard, at Horton House, Halifax.

Marilyn Sutcliffe, adult learning organiser, said: "They are the front workers in our communities and are really hard-working people.

"They organise all sorts of activities for the families in their areas that improve their lifestyle.

"The learners have had mixed experiences in education and some had few qualifications.

"Training like this can make such a difference in communities and these people are a good example of that."

Paula Leighton, 41, of Pellon, Halifax, is a link worker for the Park Community Initiative.

She said: "This is my first real job after bringing up my children so it's made a massive difference to my life.

"The course has made me understand so much more about the workings of the community.

"I might be able to make a difference now I have the knowledge to do it."

Paul Birchall, 43, of Holmfield, Halifax, is a link worker for Ovenden and Mixenden Community Initiative.

He passed at Level 2.

"When I started studying two years ago I didn't realise how relevant the course was to the work we do. And everything we learn about we do every day.

"It has been incredibly rewarding."

Successes
Successful learners on community development course.
Ovenden and Mixenden Initiatives: Mandy Kennedy, Paul Birchall, Paul Dungworth, Karen Scanlon and Joan Cahill.
SureStart:Tony Murray, Sharon Field, Sylvia Webster, Bronwen Pendleton and Frances Cochrane.
Park Community Initiative: Habada Zhatoon, Israr Hussain, Waseem Hussain, Paula Leighton and Samina Arshad.
Voluntary Action Calderdale: Beth Maiden.