CELEBRITY DIY experts from the BBC's home makeover show Changing Rooms were in the region yesterday to encourage locals to learn something new.

Linda Barker and "Handy" Andy Kane gave a DIY masterclass at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington, using an old wardrobe and cupboard to show people how they can upgrade furniture and start to improve their homes.

The masterclass was part of the Learning and Skills Council's Bite Size Course summer campaign to encourage more adults to learn.

Linda said: "A lot of people want to slow Changing Rooms down a bit, because it is only a 25-minute programme and for some it is too quick. It does give people the idea that they can do things and these masterclasses just go a little bit further in an hour-and-a-half."

Handy Andy said: "By showing people how to do things, we will hopefully inspire them and get them involved. We want to go into more detail and take more time."

During the Darlington masterclass they showed people how to cut tin, fit hinges, prepare timber for painting and create a distressed paint effect.

Pam Eccles, executive director of the Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley, said the Bite Size Course aimed to introduce people to learning something new during the 90 minutes.

She said: "It could be switching on a computer to access the Internet, to give them the idea that learning is for everyone and is also fun. Once you have learned something, your confidence grows."

After spending the morning in Darlington, Linda went on to hold a masterclass at the James Finnegan Centre, in Middlesbrough, and Handy Andy at the Phoenix Centre, Hartlepool.

Members of the public can take advantage of a further 750 free Bite Size Courses in the Tees Valley over the summer, ranging from the Internet, body massage, bread making and digital photography. For details contact Learn Direct on 0800 100 900