FREE introductory college courses for people interested in working with children are being offered around the county.

The 15-hour Making Choices courses are being organised by the Worcestershire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

Carole Postins, training officer for the partnership, said the courses were a "great opportunity" for people in the county to learn about a possible future career in childcare, all completely free of charge.

"There are so many benefits to working with children, not least the personal satisfaction of being in a rewarding job," she said.

"Our local help line on the subject has been called by over 1,000 people to date, all of whom have been sent our careers guide booklet."

The courses run over a six-week period but do not run during the school half-term break.

They will take place at Perdiswell Young People's Club, Worcester, on Wednesdays, from 12pm to 2.30pm, starting on Wednesday, June 4.

There will also be a course at First Class Nursery, Lister Road, Kidderminster, on Wednesdays, from 7pm to 9.30pm, starting on Wednesday, May 14, and at the Methodist Church Centre, Bromsgrove, Stourbridge Road, on Mondays, from 9.30am to 12pm, starting on Monday, May 12.

For more information phone the Children's Information Service on 01905 790560.