A COLLEGE is responding to a boom in new technology by offering classes in how to use iPods.

Technophobes will be taught how to use the music website iTunes so they can get the most out of their portable MP3 players.

The workshop is among a number of unusual courses that will be run by Darlington College when it moves to its new building in September.

Among other short courses on offer from October will be Champagne and dessert tasting, TV presenting, hat-making, salsa and hip-hop dancing, and false nail application.

The courses are designed to get the public into the college's £34.5m building and possibly to encourage some back into education.

More tradition courses on offer include car safety, basic plumbing, electrical maintenance and drugs awareness.

Sue Campbell, executive director of customer relations at the college, said she had no idea who might turn up to the iPod course, or any of those on offer.

She said: "Some of the courses we have on offer are quite innovative and new, we are trying to keep up with modern trends.

"Our media department is a centre of vocational excellence and the public is interested in this sort of thing.

"We are expecting virtually anybody. In the past we have had people from the age of 14 through to their 90s. It is not about just attracting young people, it is about attracting the whole community.

"Hopefully, these will encourage people to think about learning as fun and interesting."

The classes will be taught by college tutors and range from two to three hours long.

College chief executive and principal Sarah Robinson said: "We haven't been able to offer courses like this from our existing site. The focus will be on having fun and practical things."

Details of the courses will be published on the college website, www.darlington.ac.uk, in the near future. They will cost about £10. The college can be contacted on (01325) 503030.