LEARNER of the Year 2005 at Fellside Community Development Centre Mavis Head signed up for her first course because she wanted to learn about computers to help her grandson after seeing a learndirect display at the Cumberland Show in 2003, reports Karen Morley.

At Skelton Show she revisited the learndirect bus to find different people manning it and realised that there was a learndirect centre at her grandson's school. She signed up and, since September, 2003, has gone on to complete 24 courses. She is now studying on her 25th.

Mavis said: "My learning has helped me to achieve things I hadn't been able to do at school. With a lot of help from my family and husband, who all encourage me to achieve my goals. At the time of enrolling I found it difficult going out and meeting people in crowded places. Coming to do my courses has helped me 100 per cent and I am now enjoying the challenge of each new course. I would like to carry on studying for my literacy level 2 and my numeracy level 2."

Her tutors are full of praise for her determination, enthusiasm and helpfulness. She is always wearing a smile and they said they had no hesitation in nominating her for the Learner of the Year title.