FRIENDLY people are being asked to be a "buddy" to help local residents get back into learning.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's Learning Champions Scheme, run in partnership with Blackburn College, trains volunteers to help other people overcome barriers to learning.

And if they want to take their own learning further, they can use the scheme as a stepping stone towards a career as a classroom assistant or schoolteacher.

The next free course begins on Thursday, June 10, as part of National Volunteers Week, and runs for four afternoons at Blackburn College.

Lifelong Learning Manager Chris Sivers said: "Getting back into any kind of learning can be quite daunting for people so the Learning Champions offer whatever support they need. "We also have volunteers who use skills they have - such as helping elderly residents of a nursing home learn how to email. It's a very worthwhile and rewarding scheme and they can use it as a stepping stone to formal NVQ qualifications which could see them working in a school."

Anyone interested in taking up a place on the June course or registering an interest in the September training can ring Anna Ainscough on 01254 585162.