A COLLEGE is putting whisky tasting on the curriculum to convince potential students that study can be intoxicating.

As part of its "Gan On, Have a Go Agen" initiative, East Durham and Houghall Community College is running a three-hour course for potential whisky connoisseurs.

Taking place at the college's Howletch Centre in Peterlee, over the Easter break, it will demonstrate the differences between various malts and blended varieties.

The course, one of several running during the holiday, follows a similar series last year, including a session on wine tasting.

Malcolm Fallow, the college's director of customer services, said it will be strictly for over-18s.

"Our full time base is made up of about 60 per cent 16 to 18 year-olds, but we are about lifelong learning," he said.

"We are running about 30 courses next week and the week after, and the idea is to attract people back into education.

"People can see the college for the first time and either go away having had a wonderful experience or come and do something else.

"In an area where there isn't a culture of lifelong learning, anything which helps ease people back into the learning environment should be applauded."

Other Easter courses being run at the college include an introduction to horse riding and Italian cookery.

For more details, ring 0191-518 8222.