COUNCIL staff will soon be able to develop added skills thanks to the introduction of an advanced learning system.

Easington District Council is this week opening a Learn Direct centre at its Seaside Lane headquarters.

In partnership with East Durham and Houghall Community College, more than 500 staff and councillors will be able to choose from 1,000 accredited and non-accredited courses through learndirect.

Ian Forster, assistant chief executive, said: "Our new centre is a result of the council's desire to promote, encourage and support workbased and non-work-based learning for our staff.

"This will not only raise skills levels and efficiency, but display our commitment towards everyone working for the District of Easington and the value we place upon them."

The centre will be officially opened tomorrow, and already ten staff have signed up to the European Computer Driving Licence Course.

Joe Armstrong, lifelong learning co-ordinator said: "The majority of the courses are online and there are additional courses that can be taken, for example, which can help with literacy.

"We hope staff will take advantage of the courses offered to them to help them, not only in their careers but their daily lives too."