YOUNG mums and retired people are just some of the residents taking advantage of a much needed learning facility in Dines Green.

The Learn Direct Centre, which opened two months ago, has proved a hit with people of all ages.

The centre offers flexible learning and free enrolment to adults who want to learn at their own pace.

Mums with young children have been leaving their youngsters at the Sure Start crche in The Green Centre on a Thursday while they brush up on their computer skills or learn new skills in the room next door.

The facility, called online@TheGreenCentre is part of Community Online and offers all Learn Direct courses, including main Microsoft packages and database skills.

"There's been nothing like this before in Dines Green," said Charlotte Dawson, learning centre assistant for Community Online.

"We've got around 25 learners whose ages range from retired people to mums and unemployed people.

"We've got computer skills, numerical and literacy skills as part of skills for life, we've also got business and management courses.

"None of the courses are tutor led, the computer itself runs the courses.

"The students can go at different levels and different paces.

Very flexible

"It's very flexible, they don't have to come at the same time each week."

Miss Dawson said the centre had a Community Online teens scheme.

"It's for youngsters who want to access the Internet - they get a card for £2.50 and, for that, they get 10 hours access," she said.

"We've had a youngster as young as 13 join the teens club.

"They can stay here for homework or study."

Miss Dawson, of St Peter's, said the centre's eldest learner was 77.

The facility, in Gresham Road, Dines Green, is open 9.30am to 5pm Wednesdays and Fridays, 9.30am to 2pm on Thursdays and 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.

For further information, ring 01905 420635.