THOUSANDS of people have used Spennymoor's community learning shop since it was established a year ago.

Spennymoor Community Learning celebrates its first birthday next week with an invitation to people to join staff for a free buffet. Since it opened in Festival Walk, about 4,000 people have sought information, advice or guidance on learning, careers or employment. More than 200 people have used the computers for Internet access or word processing, and several hundred have signed up for courses ranging from basic information technology to sign language.

The open day celebration starts at noon on Thursday, May 2, and runs until 5pm.