RESIDENTS of a Teesside community have been pampered, all in the name of learning.

People at Hemlington, near Middlesbrough, were treated to aromatherapy, Indian head massage, manicure and make-over demonstrations by a team from the University of Teesside, promoting courses on offer at the Middlesbrough campus.

Confidence-building and an introduction to computers were also on the agenda on Thursday, at Hemlington Initiative Centre.

Stefan Klidzia, the university's community learning manager, said: "The university has a community learning team. As part of that programme, Middlesbrough Council gave us money from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

"The remit with that was we engaged local people in local communities - meet them where they area - and let people know what is available.'' A free lunch was provided as part of the arrangements, as well as limited creche facilities.