AN adult learners' scheme pioneered in the North-East is being used as an example of best practice across the UK.

Since being set up a year ago, Easington's Aim High scheme has encouraged 625 people back into learning.

The innovative scheme has been chosen as a Test Bed Community by the Department for Education and Skills to help shape Government policy on improving skills for life - such as literacy, numeracy, language and IT skills - among adults.

Programme advisors have been invited by Government offices from as far away as Southampton and the North-West to provide advice and guidance on setting up similar schemes.

Aim High was developed by a network of agencies to give every resident in Easington access to the best information and guidance possible across a range of issues and help people overcome barriers to employment.

Easington's lifelong learning co-ordinator, Joe Armstrong, said: "Aim High is a proactive solution to the problem of skill shortages in our area, but it is not just about providing much-needed academic support, training guidance and employment advice.

"We can help with everyday issues like working out budgets and can also help improve people's self-confidence and raise their self-esteem.

"It's a fantastic endorsement when Government offices from elsewhere in the UK look to Easington as an example of best policy and practice."

Test Bed status was awarded to Easington as part of the Government's Skills Strategy White Paper, which aims to improve skills for life and employment opportunities in deprived communities.