AN EAST Lancashire college scheme which offers people from deprived areas a way back into work has won a prestigious award.

The plaudits have been given to Blackburn College - which has received the award in recognition of the quality of its community-based courses for childcare students.

Its success comes as colleges across the region insist they are pulling out all the stops to cater to all sections of society.

The college's childcare department has emerged from 300 entrants across the UK to receive one of 22 of the Association of Colleges' (AoC) Beacon Awards which trumpet innovative and exemplary teaching and learning practices.

It's in recognition of its Widening Participation project aimed at residents aged 16 to 50 in deprived areas across East Lancashire who may not have accessed learning previously.

The project offers training which can lead to employment - particularly in the childcare sector.

Courses range from advice and help for parents to work closer with their pupils' schools, to a pre-registration course for childminders - aimed at people considering a career in childcare.

More than 400 students have enrolled in the programmes run at Audley, Accrington Road, Shadsworth children centres, Blackburn; community centres at Blackburn and Little Harwood, as well as schools and other community venues in Blackburn, Nelson, Accrington and Burnley.

Students have gone on to gain employment after using the project as a stepping stone to complete NVQ and other qualifications from Blackburn College.

Dianne Barr, 39 and Christine Browning, 45, from Darwen, took a play foundation course and an NVQ level 2.

Dianne said: "The course has given me the confidence to share my opinions with other people. I have learnt so much not only from the course but from the children I have worked with."

Christina said: "Having the course in Darwen has really helped because it is local and there are no travel costs. I can still take my children to school in the morning."

AoC assessors making the award to Blackburn College said: "This is an innovative project that is having a real and sustained impact on the childcare workforce."

The college's beauty therapy department was also highly commended for its teaching and assessment at the awards.

Delighted principal, Ian Clinton said: "It is wonderful news and great credit to everyone's hard work."

The four other East Lancashire colleges are also rolling out the red carpet to all sections of their communities.

Nelson and Colne College runs a course aimed at helping learners struggling to read brush up on their English and other basic skills.

St Mary's College, Blackburn, has accessed funding from Blackburn with Darwen Council.

It also has a fulltime foundation degree in partnership with the University for Central Lancashire in health and social care.

Accrington and Rossendale College delivers courses in various community venues in Hyndburn, Rossendale and the Ribble Valley.

These include in construction which in 2005 saw the college awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Access & Achievement in the Construction Industry.

Burnley College offers tailor made taster and starter courses which allow progression onto further qualifications and works with 14 to 16 year-olds "to make the transition from school to college easier."