COLLEGE staff are hoping to spark an interest in learning by offering free bite-sized courses for adults of all ages.

Darlington College of Technology is running the courses as part of a Learning and Skills Council campaign to inspire people to return to learning.

Nationally, Bite-Size Intros has enticed more than 150,000 people back to the classroom over the past two years.

Particular emphasis is being placed on subject areas where there are skill shortages, such as construction, engineering and catering.

The college is organising two periods of taster sessions, the first to run from June 23 to July 12, the second from July 21 to August 9.

The June sessions will tackle a variety of subjects, ranging from bread-making, Italian cookery and desserts, to welding, joinery, bricklaying, decorating and using power tools.

The July sessions will offering a host of business orientated courses.

"The courses are ideal for people who are not sure what they want to do," said Nan Berry, head of adult and community learning at Darlington College of Technology.

Anyone interested in taking advantage of any of the free Bite-Size courses can telephone 0800 1385513 for further details.