ROYLE Family star Ricky Tomlinson was special guest at an awards ceremony honouring the achievements of Wirral people with learning disabilities.

The actor presented Gold Standard Awards to clients of Wirral Evolutions, a company set up by Wirral Council to offer day services for adults.

The ceremony was organised in partnership with local charity, Wirral Mencap.

The award, which is the accessible partner of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, is delivered locally by Wirral Evolutions.

Following the awards presentation 60 family, friends and staff members enjoyed a drama performance narrated by Melody Makers and the Gateway participants.

Chris Beyga, managing director of Wirral Evolutions said: "The Gateway Award is a significant achievement which demonstrates that an individual has really gone outside their comfort zone to learn a new skill, do voluntary work in the community or improve their health and wellbeing.

"I'd like to say a huge congratulations to all of our recipients, and a thank you to the staff at Cambridge Road as well as the rest of the Wirral Evolutions team for supporting people towards achieving these opportunities."

For 12 months, staff at Cambridge Road Day Opportunities, part of Wirral Evolutions, supported the groups as they worked towards their Gold Award.

To achieve their Gold award, participant completed five different activities related to hobbies, fitness, volunteering, lifestyle and The Gateway Challenge.

To achieve their Gold award, participants completed activities relating to hobbies, fitness, volunteering and lifestyle.

The group also partnered with Tranmere Rovers Football Club to participate in football-based activities, and worked with local band Melody Makers and the Masque Theatre over 10 weeks to present a stage production called ‘Spring Time'.