A YOUNG learner from Great Yarmouth has got top marks after beating off 21,000 competitors to win a prestigious YMCA Training Achievement Award in honour of her exceptional achievements.

A YOUNG learner from Great Yarmouth has got top marks after beating off 21,000 competitors to win a prestigious YMCA Training Achievement Award in honour of her exceptional achievements.

Keomi Farnsworth, 18, was awarded the Apprentice of the Year award for the exceptional way she developed her personal and vocational skills in spite of her personal difficulties.

YMCA Training's Annual Achievement Awards recognise how individuals have demonstrated commitment, hard work and outstanding achievement during their time with YMCA Training through gaining qualifications, developing personal qualities and obtaining a positive progression to further education, training or employment.

The event was sponsored by John Penrose, MP for Weston-super-Mare, with the winners being presented their awards by TV presenter Diane Louise Jordan and YMCA Training chief executive Anne Linsey.

Keomi started training with YMCA Training Great Yarmouth on the e2e programme after leaving school with no qualifications due to personal problems which resulted in poor attendance.

After completing the e2e programme, Keomi began to think about where she wanted to be in life and with YMCA Training's help, Keomi secured a work placement at the House of Fun Nursery so that she could complete an apprenticeship in children's care, learning and development.

Keomi also supported other learners along the way, giving them advice and helping them with key skills and assignments.

She said: “Receiving this award means a great deal to me as I have worked extremely hard to get where I am today. After leaving school with no GCSEs I wasn't sure what road to go down, but YMCA Training helped me to choose the right career path, and has supported me ever since.”