ADULTS will receive a helping hand to get themselves back on the learning track next month during Adult Learner's Week.

One of the people spearheading the campaign in south Durham is community learning officer Ingrid Hammond.

Ms Hammond, who is based at Bishop Auckland College, promotes education at any time of life as a way of opening new opportunities and realising ambitions.

She and seven colleagues deliver a range of courses including basic skills, information technology, childcare, art and crafts and holistics.

Ms Hammond will be involved in a series of events at the college for Adult Learners' Week, which runs from May 10 to 16.

She said: "Hundreds of people have the desire to push themselves further, but either lack the confidence or don't know how and where to get started. We don't put any pressure on people. They do courses at their own pace and level. The main thing is that they enjoy what they are doing."

Austin McNamara, executive director of the Learning and Skills Council County Durham, said: "We hope that people who get involved with the events in May will gain benefits which will have long-lasting implications for their lives."

For details of learning opportunities in your area, call learndirect on 0800 100 900.