A LITERACY and numeracy course in Redcar is helping adults in east Cleveland to improve their basic skills.

Among the people who are benefiting from the courses at the Adult Education Centre, in Redcar, are Lesley Wright, from Ormesby, James Burdett, from Marske and Sandie Curry, from Redcar.

Ms Wright, 43, has battled against dyslexia all her life, but now has a City and Guilds accredited qualification in Wordpower.

"I've been coming to this centre for two years now and I feel that I've learnt such a lot. My maths and handwriting have improved and I am a much better speller," she said.

"I used to get frustrated because my friend has an English degree and I felt left behind. Now I have a lot more confidence and can even help her with the crossword."

Ms Curry, 36, hopes it will help her further her long term career ambitions.

"Although I've just started this course I am hoping that it will be the first steps towards achieving my lifetime ambition - a career in retail."

Ms Curry practises her punctuation skills by writing out the lyrics to songs by her favourite pop group - Steps.

"I am already feeling more confident about my written work. It's also a great excuse to get out of the house and meet new people," she said.

Course tutor Margaret Joyce is delighted with her students' progress.

"Many people don't like to admit they have difficulties with reading, writing or maths. Once they come to us, however, they see there are lots of others who have similar difficulties and so they're not alone."

For further details, contact Redcar Adult Education Centre on (01642) 490409.