A WARRINGTON music teacher is celebrating after winning a regional education award for adult learning.

Brian Wilson, who is a tutor at Warrington Collegiate Institute, will be receiving the honour from the National Institute of Adult Continuing Learning for his outstanding contribution to teaching adults.

Brian, from Cinnamon Brow, teaches music therapy to students with learning and physical disabilities as well as those with mental health problems.

He was inspired to take up teaching after recovering from his own mental health problems as learning formed an important part of his treatment.

Brian said: "I was inspired to give something back to others who may be in a similar position. It's extremely rewarding to witness the changes to those with learning or mental health difficulties through music. Confidence, concentration and communication often improve as does physical performance."

His students range from those with profound learning difficulties to those who are proficient in the subject and he is delighted to be receiving the award.

Brian said: "A couple of years ago the future looked very bleak for me.

"Things have really turned around now.

"I feel very privileged to be appreciated by my students so much and I am sure that I gain as much satisfaction from teaching them as they do from learning."

Brian, who has been at the college for three years, will be presented with his award at the Institute of Civil Engineers in London next Thursday.