TWENTY-three adult learners in County Durham determined to overcome their literacy and numeracy gremlins have succeeded in new national tests.

Some areas of Durham have the highest rate in Europe for poor literacy and numeracy and tackling the problem is a priority for the Learning & Skills Council (LSC).

Advertisements featuring the learning "gremlins" have been running on national television as part of the Department for Education and Skills' (DfES) Get On campaign to encourage adults with basis skills needs to do something about it.

The east Durham learners, who took the new Adult Literacy and Numeracy Tests through the Northern Training Trust, are setting the standard by gaining 23 passes to give them an overall pass rate of 75 per cent.

"We're delighted with the results and it has been so rewarding to see how the success has given everyone a real sense of achievement and boosted their confidence and self esteem," says NTT's Valerie Stephenson.

John Faccini, 17, from Horden, is taking an NVQ level two in IT with the trust and took the literacy and numeracy test alongside his IT studies. He said: "I have had difficulties with literacy, particularly with spelling. I felt that this was a good opportunity to do something about it."

Jill Scott, basic skills co-ordinator for County Durham's Learning and Skills Council said: "In County Durham we intend to encourage 15,000 learners to participate in literacy and numeracy education and training so we are hoping that this group's success will encourage others to come forward."

For information call the Information Advice and Guidance Network on 0800 783 3585.