TWO Kidderminster women have shown that age is no obstacle by setting up their own learning group.

Ann Tyler and Valerie Jarrett, who are both retired, have founded a Wyre Forest and District U3A, which aims to give retired and semi-retired people the chance to learn from each other.

The U3A - University of the Third Age - was set up in the UK in 1982 by the creation of the charity, the Third Age Trust.

Since then, more than 550 groups have been established throughout the country, with more than 52,000 members.

Mrs Tyler explained: "We both wanted to do something new and have new experiences. It is an opportunity to learn from one another. It is very exciting. It is one of the few things that is open to people who have retired."

She said members would decide what they wanted to learn and within the Wyre Forest and District U3A there would be several interest groups studying different subjects or trying different activities.

Mrs Tyler added: "I am very interested in the Regency period so one of the things I want to do is set up a group to look at Regency novels, architecture, food, dances and dress. I am also a swimming teacher so I would like to encourage people in their third age to swim."

Guest speakers will be invited to talk at the group's monthly meetings and Mrs Tyler said they were looking for someone to give a talk on the "age of steam" as many of the members were interested the Severn Valley Railway.

A meeting will be held on Monday, at Trinity Methodist Church at 1.30pm.

For further information, contact Ann Tyler on 01562 69879 or Valerie Jarrett on 01562 66905.