EDUCATION chiefs are promising a more flexible service for youngsters and adults who want to learn in the community.

Durham County Council has relaunched its community education service, giving it a new name, Education in the Community.

The council spends £3.8m a year on the service, which supports youth and community organisations throughout the county, provides education programmes and encourages the community use of school facilities. The service is committed to raising standards in provision for young people and adults.

Officials have drawn-up an eight-point pledge that includes establishing a centre of excellence for dyslexic adults and a basic skills base and applying for Investing in Children status for all units with full-time staff.

It will work with ConneXions, which is being set up to support 13 to 19-year-olds and the Learning and Skills Council, which will take over funding of post-16 education.

The council cabinet member for education, Councillor Neil Foster, said education is for all and the council has set an ambitious plan which will have a positive impact for the people of County Durham.