RESIDENTS in Rossendale will be given the opportunity to learn new skills which are not always covered by college courses, during sessions at the drop-in centre, in Newchurch Road, Stacksteads.

The Stacksteads Connect project aims to provide learning opportunities that have a wider appeal than the accredited college courses.

New volunteer Jean Kay-Morley organised a meeting with the Workers Education Association (WEA), which resulted in plans for two introductory series of workshops taking place at the centre.

The first is seven free sessions on Aromatherapy, which was launched last week and will continue between 9.30 and 11.30am each week.

There will also be a free creche for parents of young children, which has been organised by the Bacup and Stacksteads Sure Start group.

There are also plans in the near future for sessions on the driving theory test, to boost the confidence of those preparing for it and help them achieve success.

Paul Sanford, organiser of the Connect Project, said: "Although these initial sessions are happening during the day, if residents want them repeated in the evening this can be arranged."

For details contact Paul or Jean at the drop-in centre on 01706 875325.