A FLEXIBLE learning centre providing a wide range of Information Technology learning packages is going from strength to strength.

Within days of opening in January, Derwentside College's IT centre, at Chester-le-Street, enrolled 100 students, and continues to attract recruits.

The main feature of the centre is its flexible approach to learning, with people able to call in for as little as an hour at a time, to study at their own pace.

Durham North MP Giles Radice, who visited the centre recently, said: "This innovative learning environment is providing a vital service to the people of Chester-le-Street and beyond.

"This centre is allowing people of all ages to discover the many advantages and benefits of information technology within their working and personal lives."

The centre, set up by Derwentside College in partnership with Chester-le-Street District Council, is at the heart of the town, in the former Mechanics Institute, in Newcastle Road.

It has been fully refurbished and houses the latest computer equipment.

Opening times are 9am to 9pm Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm on Fridays, and 9am to 1pm on Saturday.

Further plans for the centre are being put in place, with the creation of a training environment for a new IT Systems Support Course, aimed at 16 to 19 year olds, which will begin in September.

For information on that course contact the college on (01207) 585900.