A STUDENT from Weymouth College has turned his life around and won a prestigious regional learning award.

Sam Hilly has overcome some major personal demons, including beating a long-term addiction, which forced him to start a new life in Weymouth.

His commitment to learning, ability to inspire others, and determination to overcome barriers led judges to select him for the Achieving Skills for Life in the South West Award.

It recognises the important milestone of gaining qualifications, particularly anyone who has fought against difficulties with reading, writing and numeracy skills.

The prize is part of the South West Skills Awards 2010, run by the Skills Funding Agency and the National Apprenticeship Service.

Sam was named the winner at an awards ceremony at the Sandy Park conferencing and banqueting centre in Exeter, and was presented with the accolade by one of the world’s most respected journalists, Kate Adie OBE.

He said: “I was so pleased to be a finalist and never thought I would actually win.

“Meeting Kate Adie was amazing and I can’t believe how many opportunities have been opened to me through studying at Weymouth College.”

Sam joined the Fresh Start course at the college after he was forced to leave his home in Lewes, East Sussex, and start over in Weymouth.

It was part of the process to overcome an addiction which had interrupted his schooling and prevented any hope of permanent employment.

The course is aimed at helping adults who have been out of education and employment for some time to gain the qualifications they need to move on.

He has achieved his Fresh Start level 2 qualifications and is now working towards volunteering qualifications on the Personal Best course.

Sam is aiming for a place on a university-level course and will enrol on to the Access to Higher Education course at Weymouth College in September.

He hopes to eventually become a doctor or study viruses as a virologist.

Peter Vowles manages the Fresh Start course at the college. He said: “We were so excited when Sam was announced as the overall winner at the awards.

“It is a great achievement and an excellent example to spur on others who want to make a difference to their lives.”