A BURY-based information technology learning centre is allowing scores of students to get the lowdown on hi-tech.

And there were celebrations when the popular and thriving Bury Bridge IT Learning Centre marked its first birthday.

Throughout the past 12 months, the centre has allowed students of all ages to undertake a variety of IT courses, covering such subjects as word processing, databases, spreadsheets, using the Internet and presentation graphics.

The centre, based in Victoria Street, is run by Bury College and supported through resources by national firm Tektra.

The courses provide a broad-based opening to business information technology.

They are designed to cater for the absolute beginners through to those who already possess a basic knowledge about computers.

The format is student-managed open learning, supported by workbooks, group workshops and trainers.

Attendance is flexible and students work at their own pace in a friendly and relaxed environment.

Bury Bridge IT Learning Centre has proved an invaluable resource to young people who wish to pursue a career in information technology and others already in employment who want to harness such skills for various reasons.

To mark their first birthday, staff and students enjoyed a slice of cake.