RAMSBOTTOM residents can take advantage of new courses to improve their maths and English and get a qualification for free.

New national tests in the two subjects are designed to help people who are penalised in the jobs market for not having GCSEs.

Participants take a few short classes to help brush up their skills and then sit an exam.

A taster session in English will be held at Ramsbottom Adult Centre on February 10 from 6.30pm to 9.30pm and a 10-week course will run from February 24.

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

"We are running taster sessions and the actual short courses at a few places in the borough and expect to get interest from people from all walks of life."

Coun Steve Perkins, executive member for lifelong learning, said: "Bury Council is committed to the principle of lifelong learning, whether for vocational development or personal fulfilment, and we welcome a qualification which will help people enhance their career opportunities and add value in the workplace."