A SPECIALIST college for young adults with learning difficulties is holding a relaunch at its Christmas fair.

Real Choice College, in Consett, was formed ten years ago, to provide care for children with complex needs after they left special schools in the area.

The college, on Number One Industrial Estate, was developed further in 2011 to include educational courses and qualifications.

It will be renamed Learning For Life at a party at its premises on Werdohl Way on Wednesday, December 7, from 2pm-6pm.

Principal Marie Matthewson said: “We want the name to reflect more of what we do here now and thought the party would be a good time to unveil it.”

Real Care Ltd was formed by Anne Timothy, Gill Stringer, Fiona Woods and Lisa Edwards to provide ongoing care for former Villa Real pupil Andrew Ellwood, who suffered from cerebral palsy.

He died in 2009, aged 19, but his legacy lives on and the service now looks after 43 young people aged over 18, five days a week, 51 weeks a year.

Next Wednesday, Christmas crafts made by the students will be on sale and there will be fun activities and refreshments, including a storyteller, jacket potatoes and marshmallows.

Ms Matthewson said: “The students have worked extremely hard and put a lot of effort into this. They have also had a lot of fun.

“They have made a lot of products and costed everything. They will be deciding what they spend their profit on in the future. It has been a pleasure to watch them.”

The college, a registered charity, has 46 staff and costs £620,000 a year to run.

It receives financial support from the Education Funding Agency and four local authorities, including Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle and Rutland, but needs more money to safeguard and expand its services further.

The college is appealing for anyone who can help with business sponsorship, funding opportunities or donations of raffle prizes to come forward.

Ms Matthewson is appealing for people who give time of materials to develop a programme of creative arts such as pottery.

She said: “There are lot of ways people can help. The joy you get working with our young people is amazing.”

For more information, please call 01207 508323.