MATURE students can combine courses with shopping trips thanks to the launch of new adult learning facilities in Prestwich.

A £400,000 refurbishment project has transformed Prestwich Library into a "one-stop shop" for adult education courses, modern library services and council advice.

And the impressive facility is situated right at the heart of Prestwich's main shopping precinct: the Longfield Centre.

The new-look library and adult education centre has been funded by Bury Council and the Learning and Skills Council, costing £432,094 in total.

Bury South MP and education minister for adult skills and lifelong learning, Ivan Lewis, officially opened the facilities last Friday (25) along with representatives from the library service, lifelong learning and director of education, Harold Williams.

Mr Lewis said: "I was delighted to meet adults who told me they were learning again for the first time in many years. I would urge local residents to take advantage of the excellent new library facilities and find out more about the courses available.

"This is yet more good news for Prestwich following on from the relocation of the police station and the opening of the NHS Walk-In centre."

The decision to refurbish the exisiting library, which has around 250,000 visitors each year, was made following the closure of the former adult education centre in Thorndyke Walk, Prestwich, last year.

The building, off Bury New Road, no longer met legal disabled requirments and the land has now been sold to Manchester Mesivta High School (formerly Manchester Jewish Grammar School) so they can extend sporting facilities at their new school in Charlton Avenue.

Work began on transforming Prestwich Library several months ago and students can now benefit from a new computer suite and modern classrooms on the first floor with full modern library resources to hand on the ground floor.

The refurbishment means visitors to the centre can access both the library and adult education centre via one main entrance, which is also shared with existing council payment offices next door.

Also, from April, the facility will feature a Council Information Point, which will offer a first-stop shop service to residents wishing to access a range of council services.

Coun Maggie Gibb, executive member for lifelong learning, said: "The council is determined to invest in adult education facilities in the borough. It is anticipated that the improved accessibility of the new Prestwich centre will increase enrolments in arts, languages, information technology courses and for people requiring support in literacy and numeracy skills."

Coun Siobhan Costello, executive member for community services, added: "This project is putting the library right at the heart of the community. As part of the overall regeneration of Prestwich village centre, it is helping to improve the neighbourhood, strengthen the sense of community and improve cultural and leisure opportunities for local people."