AN ADULT literacy group that rose from the ashes after being closed down is set to receive a national award.

Sue Gorton’s English Group will be given the National Group prize at the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) awards ceremony in Westminster on Friday (May 21).

The group, which has 11 members and meets weekly in St Aidan's Way, Gravesend, re-opened independently after its classes at the Victoria Centre in Gravesend were cut in 2006 due to a lack of funding.

Determined to continue, members united to raise £1,000 to cover course costs through luncheons and raffles.

Mrs Gorton said: "We are extremely proud that a small group like ours should get national recognition.

“This is a remarkable story of perseverance and determination by a group of adults who have discovered the joy of learning together."

Covering key aspects of grammar and spelling, Mrs Gorton and two volunteers encourage and prepare members for work.

The group has excelled with literary performances to the Mayor of Gravesham and produced two published award-winning poets.

Mel Finch, one of the prize-winning poets who decided to join the group to tackle her literacy problems, said: “The joys of the English language hold the key to the person I am and the person I want to be.”

Rachel Thomson, senior campaigns officer at NIACE, praised the group's dedication.

She said: "Sue’s English Group, like all of this year’s award winners, is proof of how learning can absolutely transform lives.

"It often leads to new jobs and careers, and helps people to cope, or even overcome, the many challenges they face.”