A LEARNING project for people in the Newport area enables hard-working parents to aim for degrees.

The project, run by the Centre of Community and Lifelong Learning at the University of Wales, Newport, means those otherwise unable to sample the benefits of higher education can take a variety of courses.

Students' achievements were celebrated recently with an event held at the Newport Centre to raise the profile of the project. Organisers held a workshop to encourage new people to join the initiative, which has been up and running since last year.

Classes are held close to the homes of participants, and free childcare makes it even easier for parents to join up.

Anyone can take the modular university level courses. Subjects on offer include anything from creative writing to PC maintenance, and staff at the university said it was helpful at increasing ease of access.

Peter Brown, project co-ordinator, said: "The aim is to show that a university degree doesn't have to be gained by studying a traditional three years full time."

Local mums who have taken part said at the event this month that the benefits were huge.

Sarah Lewis, 25, lives in Pill where she has taken computer classes. She is now considering taking a computer engineering or animation course.

She said: "I needed to do something for myself, my children and my future. I wouldn't have been even able to consider doing these courses if they weren't so close to home with childcare facilities."

Anyone who would like to take classes through the project can ring Peter Brown on 01633 432238.