A GROUP of pensioners with a combined aged of 336 have become Blackburn's very own silver surfers thanks to a course in computer skills.

The quartet, Marrie Holden, 87, Irene Lowe, 90, Mary Livesey, 82, and Annie Ainslie, 77, have been taking part in a computer course at Holly Court sheltered housing complex in Troy Street, since June last year.

And their achievements were highlighted as one of the successes of Blackburn with Darwen Council's Lifelong Learning project, which is holding its 10th annual adult learners event this week.

The four were invited to the launch of the week, which runs until May 18, at Blackburn market on Saturday.

Marrie, Irene and Mary were unable to attend due to ill health but remaining surfer and youngest of the group Mrs Ainslie met Blackburn with Darwen Mayor John Williams, Jack Straw MP, Blackburn Rovers assistant manager Tony Parks and representatives from Lifelong Learning at the event.

She said: "I wasn't going to come because the others weren't feeling too well but I have had a fantastic morning."

Mrs Ainslie, of Troy Street, got involved with the Lifelong Learning course through her connections with Holly Court, where the other three ladies are residents.

She said: "I go and help out there and do a bit of shopping for the residents. It's just across from where I live. I heard about the course and just decided to have a go. I wanted to learn as much as I could because everything is computerised these days and I think it is important to learn the basics.

"We have had a go at everything from the internet to just basic typing, but the thing I have enjoyed most is e-mailing.

"I sent my first e-mail to the Mayor after I met him at through the Church in Action charity in Chapel Street and I was delighted to get a reply."

Now Mrs Ainslie is planning to keep the course up and learn even more new skills.

Mayor John Williams said: "These ladies have a combined age of 336. If that isn't lifelong learning, I don't know what is. They are quite remarkable."

More than 150 courses have been organised throughout Blackburn to mark Adult Learners' Week, from bell-ringing to self-defence, fitness and dance to surfing the net.

Lifelong Learning's Pauline Baldwin said: "Saturday was the official launch day of the national adult learners' week campaign.

"We had a good turnout from people to watch the activities like African drum playing, using a potter's wheel and creating jewellery and preparing food.

"We even had a folk band with Jack Straw even having a go on the maracas.

"It is the fourth year we have held it in Blackburn and it seems to be getting bigger and better."

She added: "The aim of the Lifelong Learning project is to provide opportunities for adults throughout the year for adults of over 16 and to give them an insight into learning, but moving away from the traditional ways of learning by taking it out into the community.

"We work with a number of other providers, such as Blackburn College, Training 2000 and St Mary's College to bring these opportunities for people, who can do anything as long as there is a learning aspect to it."

Mr Straw, who visited the market before heading off for Blackburn Rovers' last match of the season, said: "This event proves you are never too old to learn.

"I am very interested in adult learning opportunities as my older sister worked for many years with adults who were learning to read and write, teaching them the skills they needed when they had almost given up on themselves.

"But this week is about developing all sorts of skills. However skilled we feel we are there are a wide range of courses for us to broaden our horizons."

Coun Mahfooz Hussain, who also attended the event, said: "It is important for the people of Blackburn and Darwen to remember it is never too late to learn and I would like to encourage them to go out and learn new skills as there are so many opportunities around."

For more information about adult learners' week ring the lifelong learning hotline on 01254 841052.