CROWDS gathered in Northallerton to learn about the University of the Third Age (U3A), which aims to convince older people that education is not just for the young.

U3A is one of Britain's fastest-growing organ- isations for the over-50s.

It is made up of more than 500 groups in the UK. The organisation operates a network where members share knowledge and give advice to anyone wanting to start up a group.

In Northallerton, U3A has more than 200 members who attend group meetings to learn about everything from art and architecture to creative writing and storytelling.

U3A national co-ordinator Christine Dickson said more and more groups are being set up around Britain each month.

She said: "A lot of the members run courses in their homes and people can pick and choose what they would like to learn.

"We have what we call subject networks and people who specialise in a subject can be contacted for advice and information if someone wants to set up their own group."

Group leaders and subject networks work voluntarily and courses are accredited.

Mrs Dickson said: "We want as many people as possible to be aware of the different subject networks operating across the UK."

For details, call (0207) 837 8838.