AN INNOVATIVE new learning programme developed by West Cheshire College and the National Waterways Museum is set to offer a range of new and inspirational learning opportunities.

The museum, formerly Ellesmere Port Boat Museum, is working in an informal partnership with the College to provide unique and enjoyable learning opportunities in the area, thanks to funds from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Transformation Fund.

As part of the programme two of the College’s learning co-ordinators, Carole Bennett and Sharon Tinn, will be working at the museum until March to develop the programme and the resources needed.

Carol said: "This is a really innovative and imaginative programme which is designed to encourage people into learning.

"We will be providing a rage of learning opportunities in a wide variety of skills which we hope will also help to bring together the local history of Ellesmere Port and the Boat Museum."

Learning activities planned at the museum include photography, Roses and Castle painting, spider web embroidery and wildlife identification.

And to encourage people to find out more about the learning on offer at the museum, a taster is being planned for Thursday, October 29, from midday to 3pm.

Various heritage skills and crafts will be on display, including a blacksmith, Rose and Castle painting and spider web embroidery, to give visitors a chance to see traditional crafts people in action and try some of the skills.

Joanne Darlington, development director for The Waterways Trust, explains: "We are delighted to be working with West Cheshire College on this exciting project which supports the new culture of informal adult learning and will benefit local people, boosting their confidence and hopefully leading on to more formal learning opportunities for them."