A FORMER teacher who has spent the last decade volunteering in adult learning has retired this week.

Margaret Cockrill, who previously worked as an English teacher, has been volunteering at Darlington Learning and Skills at the Coleridge Centre for more than a decade and has now decided it is time to pursue other interests.

The 71-year-old said: “I hate hearing 35-year-olds say they are too old to do something. You are never too old to try something new.”

Learning and Skills offer a wide range of learning opportunities for people of all ages, from children and young people right through to adults looking to develop their career.

“Some of the people who come here have no encouragement at home and no belief they can achieve anything.

“It is so rewarding to see people achieve what they can, whether it’s getting a job or going into higher education” she added.

Alaine McCartney, her manager, said: “She will be a big loss and it will be a huge step for someone to fill in for her.”