ADULTS in Halton could have the door to their futures unlocked with the chance to take part in Adult Learners' Week.

It is the largest festival of adult learning in the UK.

Organisers are urging the people of Widnes and Runcorn to phone them or visit their website, if they are considering a return to study.

Adult Learners Week, which runs from May 21-27, is organised by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE).

The organisation is the leading non-government organisation for lifelong learning and exists to encourage more adults to learn new, marketable skills.

During the week, there will be thousands of events across the country, with people learning in various environments; colleges, shops, supermarkets, factories, businesses, libraries, museums, community centres and adult education colleges.

The Adult Learners' Week Awards will celebrate the achievements of adults who have already gone back to learning.

Rachel Thomson, senior campaigns officer at NIACE, is encouraging Halton residents to get involved in their local project.

She says that the activities and learning strategies that are implemented during the week really do change lives.

Mrs Thomson said: 'Learning has been proven to be good for your health, your self-esteem and your career.

'Whatever you want to achieve in life, learning can take you in the direction you want to go.'

Last year Halton's deputy mayor Dennis Middlemass was on hand to present more than a 100 awards to residents at the Halton Learning Partnership.

The awards ceremony, which was in association with the IAG Partnership, was held at The Foundry, Widnes, and 114 awards were presented to individuals and group winners in eight categories.

To find out more about what's on offer in your area during this year's Adult Learners' Week, visit the website www.alw.org.uk or call Learndirect free on 0800 100 900.