DESPITE not enrolling on a course since leaving school Nazima Patel is finally reaping the benefits of education at a new UK Online Centre in Preston.

Nazima Patel, 27, of Plover Street, Deepdale area was the first Asian woman to enrol at UK Online Centre in the new Alan Kelly Townend stand at Preston North End, which opened at the end of the last summer term.

Now the centre successfully offers courses to over a hundred students in the community from Computing to Arts and Crafts through Preston College.

She said, "I was worried about going into the centre but I'm glad I made that first step as the tutor, Allistair, was very friendly and put me at ease straight away."

She explained that she was worried about there being mixed gender classes but soon overcame her anxiety and encourages other women to go to the UK Online Centre.

By studying a computing course she has overcome her fears about learning again and it has given her the confidence to pursue other interests.

Tutor Allistair Short said, "It is difficult for returning students to make that first step back into education but once they have achieved this their confidence increases threefold and we are here to make that transition easier."

Joan Brown, Manager of Adult Admissions (Community) said, "The centre is at the heart of the community for their use and we are thrilled it is being utilised by everyone in the locale.

The Deepdale area has benefited from Single Regeneration Budget funding over recent years and this centre will allow the College to continue to provide quality education in the community."

The UK Online Centre has 30 new state of the art computers with Windows XP and Internet access incorporated into a refurbished computer suite. There are friendly staff on hand to advise and help students.

The Centre is part of a project run by Preston Learning Together Partnership (PLTP) which is funded by DfES. During the early evening, the Centre is used by Playing for Success to provide an out of hours study support centre for 9 to 14 years olds.

The Centre is open Monday 9am to 3pm and 6 to 9pm and Tuesday to Friday 9am to 3pm. Preston ChildsPlay, in partnership with Preston College, provides a Crche each morning but places are limited, bookings should be made in advance. Anyone wanting information can call: 01772 468103.