FORMER Tory leader William Hague visited one of learndirect's most popular centres yesterday and met its 1,000th student.

The Richmond MP went to the organisation's computer learning centre in Northallerton, took a look around and met some of the hundreds of learners who use the complex.

After spending time at the centre, designed in a coffee-bar style for relaxed learning, he said: "It is great for people to be able to slot their learning into a busy day.

"And it is great that the learning advisors are ready to make adaptations for disabled people."

While there, Mr Hague spoke to 37-year-old Nigel Dougill, who fought back from a life-threatening stroke three years ago to win qualifications in computer skills.

The centre has helped him transform his life by acquiring more IT skills and reach for the academic achievements he never managed as a teenager.

He also met the centre's 1,000th learner, Ian Jack, and Jan Kirk, who has 21 grandchildren, both of whom have been brushing up their computer skills with the help of centre staff.

Northallerton is the most popular learndirect centre in North Yorkshire, enrolling the highest number of learners and offering an extensive range of course.