A PIONEERING project is putting a Bishop Auckland factory at the very heart of its community.

A lifelong learning scheme has just been launched at Mechetronics to help its own workers, and those at neighbouring firm's, boost their skills.

Company secretary Diane Sharp said staff working at the factory were already highly skilled in a challenging field, but the firm is hoping to encourage them to extend their learning into other areas for both personal development and for fun.

"A number of people have had great success in training and achieving qualifications here over the past 12 months," she said.

"We'd like to see as many people as possible taking advantage of the opportunities being offered by lifelong learning."

The firm has invited Bishop Auckland College, Darlington College and New College Durham to display the courses they offer at the site.

Diane added: "Education benefits the whole community whether people do it in relation to their work or just for recreation. We wanted to make the facility available to as many people as possible."

Staff from companies nearby have been invited to view the training opportunities on offer.

Mechetronics, established 80 years ago, is the UK's leading solenoid manufacturer was recently taken over by a new management team of Mitchell Wolfe and Jim Summerbell.

The two bought out shares formerly owned by venture capital provider 3i, which was seeking to end its six year association with the firm. 3i provided £1m in equity and loan funding back in 1994, after a management buyout at the firm.