A NORTH-EAST college is launching a course on retirement.

Newcastle College has designed the course, Preparation for Retirement.

College bosses say many people coming to the end of their careers worry about adapting to a new way of life.

The five-day course, which runs over five weeks, shows people how to get the most out retirement.

It deals with subjects such as managing finances, building a social life, keeping fit and healthy and taking up voluntary work.

Chris Johnson, the manager of health and care services at the college, said: "This course can help to take any anxiety away and enable people to enjoy their new-found freedom.

"It can also be a thoughtful gift from a caring employer to employees who are about to retire."

The course costs £250 per person, plus £50 for a partner to take part.

For further details, telephone the college on 0191-200 4000.