Adult learners in Dereham can continue to study Learndirect courses thanks to funding provided to Pitman Training Norwich which has taken over the management of Dereham Learning Station.

Adult learners in Dereham can continue to study Learndirect courses thanks to funding provided to Pitman Training Norwich which has taken over the management of Dereham Learning Station.

It was feared Dereham Learning Station, at the Trafalgar Business Park, would have to close at the end of July as City College Norwich had decided not to continue with the management of the centre.

Pitman Training Norwich has held a contract with Learndirect since 2005 and was able to take over the running of the centre.

An open day is taking place on Thursday (August 13) between 9am and 8pm so residents can find out more about the courses on offer. These include Skills for Life courses which are designed to help people develop the skills they use in everyday life, such as reading, writing and maths.

The centre, which opens every Thursday, will also offer NVQs for the first time including ITQ (information technology), customer service, management and leadership and business administration.

Learndirect learners can work at their own pace, choosing to study at home via the internet or from the centre which has 15 computers and fully-qualified trainers.

The Dereham Learning Station has been in Dereham for four years and during its time has helped many people from ages 19 -70, learn a variety of skills. Many people who worked at Dereham's Woolworths retrained with Learndirect courses following redundancies in December 2008.

Glyn Woodman, director of Pitman Training Norwich, said: 'This is great news for Dereham residents as they can continue to learn here and do not have to travel to Norwich.

'We are currently going to open on a Thursday but if the demand is there, we will increase the number of days the centre opens for. The message is if you don't want to lose this centre, come and learn new skills!'

Anyone interested in studying at Dereham Learning Station should call Pitman Training Norwich on 01603 619769 or visit the Dereham Learning Station on Trafalgar Business Park, Rashes Green Industrial Estate on Thursdays.