ASIAN women who took up training courses have been presented with certificates of achievement.

More than 100 enrolled on a range of subjects from keep-fit and computing to sewing aimed at boosting their skills and helping them become more socially confident.

Their work was given civic approval by the deputy mayor, Councillor John Smith, at a ceremony at the Mosses Centre in Bury.

The council-run project was part of a larger initiative involving more than 300 people, to improve the role of women in the workplace.

Funded by the European Social Fund, it has offered courses over the last three years in business, IT, first-aid and other skills.

Although funding for the programme has ended, the work will continue as part of the council's Basic Skills Strategy for Bury.

Councillor Steve Perkins, executive member for lifelong learning, said: "This project has successfully targeted a group of traditionally hard-to-reach citizens. I am delighted that they have risen to the challenge."