VALE residents are being encouraged to hit the books and improve their skills during Adult Learners Week.

The annual event is organised by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education from Saturday to next Friday. The association, which aims to promote the study and continual learning of adults, has asked hundreds of organisations around the country to take part.

Evesham's Open Access Centre is one of the places taking part in Adult Learners Week. The centre is based at Wallace House in the town centre and has been running since 1989.

Manager Anne Dewsbury, who has worked there since it opened, said: "The whole idea of the centre is that we operate on an open access basis. We like people to just come in and have a chat with us."

The centre teaches people basic skills in literacy and numeracy. It also teaches English as a foreign language. All students are offered a confidential interview and given an individual learning programme.

One of the centre's greatest success stories is profoundly deaf student Alex Gibson. He has been chosen as one of only five West Midlands Adult Learners Week award winners. Alex, aged 38, lives in Fladbury and has been attending the centre for almost two years to help improve his numeracy skills.

Alex said: "It shows you can go from the bottom to the top if you put your mind to it. I am very, very happy to receive the award and my family is very proud. I am looking forward to attending the presentation evening in Birmingham." Alex has also been invited to the opening ceremony of Adult Learners Week in London.

"I have found it very helpful coming to the centre. The teachers have time to work with you on a one-to-one basis. I would tell other adults in the same situation I was in to ask for help."

Attending the centre has increased Alex's confidence enormously. Once he has gained some further qualifications, Alex wants to become a British Sign Language teacher. All the centre's staff are confident he will achieve this goal.

Anne Dewsbury said: "Adult Learners Week will be very much a normal working week for us but we would like the public to call in and visit us. They can come and see how we operate but there is no obligation to sign up. The initial step is the most important thing."

The centre also stresses the importance of basic skills within the workplace. Centre staff run basic skills programmes at Dawn Foods and Evesham Foods and are very keen to start similar programmes at other companies.

Mrs Dewsbury added: "Seven million people in this country cannot read or write confidently and over half of them are in employment. We need companies to support and work with us."

The aim of Adult Learners Week is to inspire people to continue with their education. As well as gaining basic skills, people can also take the opportunity to find out more about further education and career changes. The Evesham College offers an advice service for those who are thinking of changing career. Adult careers advisor Paul Abbott can be contacted on 01386 712721.

Evesham Open Access Centre is open from 9am to 4pm from Monday to Thursday, shutting for lunch between 12noon and 1pm. It is open from 9am to 12noon on Fridays and is also open from 6pm to 9pm on Monday and Tuesday evenings. For more information call the centre on 01386 40135.

Further information about NIACE and Adult Learners Week can be found by visiting www.niace.org.uk. People can also get advice from the Learndirect helpline by calling free on 0800 100900.