PEOPLE who want to improve their chances of success in life are being urged to grasp opportunities on offer.

Up Yours is the message from the Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley, which promotes the benefits of learning.

Its new campaign calls on people to 'up' their skills.

The campaign message will be delivered over the next three months to the heart of Tees Valley communities by a team of marketing specialists.

They hope to promote the idea that learning options are flexible, that there is not always the need for a classroom and that help is always available.

Pam Eccles, executive director of Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley, said: "There are lots of people who aren't in education or employment and who don't know about the choices that are available.

"We aim to overcome this by getting into the local community and talking people through the options that are available.

"A similar campaign last year was a huge success. We hope to repeat this by encouraging people to take up learning options that suit their needs and develop their skills."

The team will visit community centres, schools, leisure and other community-based venues, talking to young people and adults.

People over 14 who take part have the chance to win a colour mobile phone with built-in camera or £10 HMV vouchers.

The Up Yours campaign will run until mid-April.