A DISABILITY awareness tutor has been awarded for his work in teaching staff to understand the needs of disabled customers.

Bob Gerhardt, from Wycombe District Council, was recognised at the annual Learning Awards dinner of the Buckinghamshire Lifelong Learning Partnership last month.

The awards took place at the Chalfonts campus of Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College, with Bob receiving his award for his ongoing work.

Bob began his work in 1997 and has trained 436 staff at Wycombe District Council to help understand and anticipate the special needs of disabled customers.

Participants thought the course Bob provided was thought-provoking, very enlightening, outstandingly useful and an essential life skills component for everyone.

The event was an opportunity to celebrate the work of both tutors and students.

Awards were presented across a range of age categories and learning settings, varying from schools to higher education, part-time courses, workplace training to third-age opportunities.