ADULTS are being offered free courses in English and maths which could help them get work or promotion.

Bury Council is backing the new National Test, aimed at those who are penalised in the job market for not having GCSEs in these subjects.

After taking a short course, people can sit a brief exam in the new nationally-recognised qualification, at the same level as GCSE. The test is one hour long for literacy and 75 minutes for numeracy with multiple-choice questions.

Liz Lever from the council's basic skills unit said: "The test can be a useful stepping stone for those wishing to fill gaps on their CV, move on to further courses or even get a promotion at work."

The council is running taster sessions in English on February 9 at Radcliffe Adult Centre from 9.30am to 12.30pm, and on February 10 at Ramsbottom Adult Centre between 6.30pm and 9.30pm.

A taster session in maths, meanwhile, is held on February 9 between 6.30pm and 9.30pm at Bury Arts and Crafts Centre.

Ten-week short courses in English begin on February 23 (between 9.30am and 12.30pm) at Radcliffe Adult Centre and on February 24 (between 6.30pm and 9.30pm) at Ramsbottom Adult Centre.

The maths course will start on February 23 (between 6.30pm and 9.30pm) at Bury Arts and Crafts Centre.

The exam dates are May 17 for maths and May 18 for English. Anyone wanting to go on the course must attend one of the taster sessions.