The WEA has been recognised twice in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list, in the form of MBEs for WEA volunteer Ivor Moon and WEA General Secretary Richard Bolsin. Ivor Moon has won his award for voluntary service to adult education and to the community in East Midlands, and Richard Bolsin has been awarded his MBE for services to adult education.

Speaking of his award Richard said today, "This award is deserved recognition of the hard and successful work of all the volunteers and staff at the WEA during my time here."

"Through their dedication and commitment we have returned the WEA to a respected position as a provider of important education courses to over 80,000 people each year - often reaching those adults who need education most and who other providers rarely reach."

"It was great to see that several people in adult education have been recognised in the recent honours, I think this reflects growing recognition of the valuable role that adult education plays in our society."

Other adult education figures who have received awards include Fiona Larden, Principal of Fircroft College (OBE); and Dan Taubman of the University and College Union (MBE).