A COMMUNITY association has been chosen for a trial learning programme.

Pennywell Community Business, in Sunderland, has been selected as the only organisation in the North-East to pilot a Neighbourhood Learning Centre.

The initiative was launched by the Government four months ago and offers leisure programmes to fit the needs of local people. They can range from gardening and art clubs to local history, film and dance groups.

The centres also offer support to residents already in education by providing access to computers and the Internet.

John Tulip, community business general manager, said: "The Department of Education and Environment contacted us directly.

"They felt we already had the experience in delivering both structured and non-structured courses and were the right choice for the North-East pilot.

"This is a very different approach to learning. It's about local people telling tutors what they want and getting that course up and running.

"It's about getting people into learning who may have been out of it for some time."

People have already come forward with suggestions, including a music circle and film club for children, but the Neighbourhood Learning Team is keen to receive more.

Pennywell Community Business has already set up a Neighbourhood Learning Group of local residents, which will work with other residents.

Anyone with ideas for courses can call 0191-534 8795.