WORKERS have been given the chance to better their education at a learning centre.

The 850 staff at Morrisons regional distribution centre, in Stockton, can now put lunch breaks to good use with eight computer stations, designed to encourage further education.

The learning centre is a joint initiative between the TGWU, Usdaw, the TUC and Morrisons and is the result of more than two years of planning and bidding for funds.

Cash was provided by the Union Learning Fund and computers from Durham Logistics College, which is a partner of Logistics Skills NE, to bring the initiative to fruition.

The centre can be used to improve skills such as English and maths and to learn languages.

Gillian Miller, regional skills director for the Learning and Skills Council in the North-East, opened the centre yesterday.

She said: "The Learning and Skills Council in the North-East is committed to raising skills levels in the region and this new centre will help us achieve this."

Yesterday, 104 members of staff received their level two and three NVQ certificates in business administration and customer service and level one and two adult numeracy and literacy certificates.