ST HELENS is set to become a centre of learning this month when a number of community organisations are to promote an imaginative campaign to encourage people in the area back into learning and training.

New Street, Peter Street and Chain Lane community centres are all backing Greater Merseyside Learning and Skills Council's Bite Size programme by running a series of taster sessions in a variety of subjects. The aim is to give people an opportunity to try something new without having to commit to a lengthy training programme.

Course topics vary from using a CD Rom and sailing, to creative writing.

Greater Merseyside LSC executive director, Paul Holme said: "Lifelong learning is an essential part of developing a workforce with the skills and experience needed to keep our region competitive.

"We want to encourage people to think again about continuing their own learning."