ENGLISH classes have given a new lease of life to residents of East Lancashire who want to feel part of their community.

Students participating in the bespoke English for speakers of other languages courses at Blackburn College celebrated their achievements at an event at King George’s Hall.

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The event was attended by Sir Bill Taylor, chair of Blackburn College’s corporation board, leader of the Blackburn with Darwen Council Kate Hollern and Blackburn College principal and chief executive Dr Thomas Moore, who presented the certificates and awards.

All students who participated in the course received a certificate of completion, and nine special recognition awards for exceptional achievement were also presented.

The bespoke ESOL courses have been delivered through a collaborative project between the college and the council.

It was funded by the European Integration Fund. The classes combined English speaking and listening skills with citizenship and British culture elements to support residents to become more active members of their community.

Representatives from the council and college tutors also attended the event to celebrate their students’ achievements. Stalls from a range of local services were also available to provide further information and support for participants.

Nick Haworth, ESOL and skills for life senior programme manager, said: “The event was very successful. It was a great opportunity for students to come together and celebrate their achievements.

“Students’ work created through the course was displayed and we showed videos where students explained the impact of what they had learnt on their daily lives.

“It was clear students felt that the course had made their lives better and made them feel more a part of their community.”

Faz Patel, a community cohesion expert in Blackburn, said: “ “If people do not learn English, it bars them from a lot of activities, getting jobs and health services, so I think this course is great.”