Nurturing new skills

Eighties pop icon and expert gardener Kim Wilde has launched a programme for adult learning. Kim, who studied horticulture after her chart success, was at the Homebase store in Yarm Road, Darlington, to promote the Bite Size Intros programme for 2002. The scheme is an initiative from the Learning and Skills Council to encourage adults into learning.

The programme will offer thousands of people the opportunity to sample a free, bite-sized chunk of learning. Tasters in a variety of subjects, from basic Spanish to vegetable carving, will last no longer than three hours.

Taster sessions will run throughout Tyneside, Wearside, County Durham, the Tees Valley and Northumberland. More information is available by calling 08080 200 500.