BOROUGH residents looking to gain skills, get jobs or simply meet new people are urged to take part in National Adult Learners Week.

A week-long series of learning activities, supported by the borough council, is being held across the area from Saturday.

It is an opportunity for people to find out how learning can improve their life - whether through help to get a job, learning a new hobby or skill, gaining a qualification or getting to grips with IT skills.

Throughout the week there will be a host of activities taking place in the Port Arcades, Links Healthy Living Centre, West Cheshire College's Regent Street campus and other venues. They include:

A Sure Start Family Fun Day including balloons, refreshments and activities at the new Children's Centre and Neighbourhood Learning Zone in Alnwick Drive, Stanney Grange, from 1-3pm on Saturday.

A Hair, Beauty and Holistic Therapy session at West Cheshire College on Saturday from 10.30am-12.30pm, including an introduction to Indian head massage.

The Broadband Bus - a hi-tech mobile classroom with internet access and plasma TV visiting the main car park in Neston on Monday and Cheshire Oaks on Friday, May 27. Staff will be able to provide careers advice and internet help. Visitors can asses their English and maths skills.

A course on how to play the harmonica at Neston main car park on Monday and the Port Arcades on Friday, May 27, both from noon-5pm. nWest Cheshire Multicultural Women's Group in the Port Arcades all day on Tuesday.

Community Leisure Tennis Coaching, an introduction session, from 12.30-2pm on Wednesday, May 25. All you need is trainers. All equipment is provided. Details from Allison Lewis on 0151 356 6892.

Lisa Conway, the borough council's principal officer for employment and lifelong learning, said: 'The vast majority of the taster and introduction sessions are free and there is something to broaden everyone's horizons.'

For details, call her on 0151 356 6637/6508 or visit www.cheshire. gov.uk/adultlearnersweek.

Meanwhile, on Monday, as part of Adult Learners Week, a multi-disciplinary team will be in the Port to advise on eating well and the effect food has on our health.

People will be able to find out about looking after their heart, physical exercise and balanced diets.

There will be interactive activities, a colouring competition for children and a tour of facilities at the EPIC at 11am.

Julie Acton, the Port's school health leader, said: 'Nutrition can have a real impact on people's lives and plays a significant part in preventing health problems, such as diabetes and obesity.'

For further information, call Julie on 0151 339 4781.