Olympic medal winner Stephen Parry was the guest of honour at an awards ceremony in Stoke-on-Trent which celebrated achievements in education. Originally from Liverpool, Parry gained sporting immortality in August 2004 in Athens when he won a bronze medal for Team GB in the final of the 200-metre Butterfly. As well as his Olympic medal he also won World and European Championship medals and three Commonwealth medals during his career – making him one of the most successful British swimmers of all time. The LearnMore Awards were organised by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership as part of Adult Learners’ Week. They were set up to reward individuals who have displayed commitment to learning and who have become an inspiration to their peers and colleagues. Almost 400 people attended the awards ceremony which took place on Tuesday, May 18, at the Kings Hall in Stoke and was compered by Sentinel newspaper columnist Martin Tideswell.