BUSINESSES working in the tourism industry are encouraged to take advantage of free language training classes.

The workshops in French, German, Italian and Spanish are being provided by the Regional Language Network (RLN) on Friday, September 26, in celebration of the third European Day of Languages.

Funded by Yorkshire Forward, the classes will take place from 9am to 5pm in Scarborough and York, with support materials and lunch included for participants.

Sandra Potesta, regional officer of the RLN, said: "Front of house staff and receptionists are often the first point of contact for overseas tourists and visitors and being able to say just a few words in someone's mother tongue can make all the difference."

Workshops will be held in the boardroom at the University of Hull, Scarborough campus, on Filey road and at York College, in Dringhouses.

More information and booking forms for the workshops can be downloaded from www.rln-yh.com