DISABLED workers at a Burnley factory will down tools tomorrow to celebrate a national learning day.

Employees at Remploy Burnley, on the Smallshaw Industrial Estate, will mark National Learning at Work Day.

The learning centre, backed by the Learning and Skills Council, was set up in 2002 to provide employment opportunities for disabled people by the teaching of life and work skills.

The courses, run in conjunction with Blackburn College, include several subjects ranging from basic numeracy and literacy to advanced computing and vocational training.

Remploy Burnley Manager, Steve Wellens, said the centre had proved successful in training staff.

He said: "Taking the first steps back into a learning environment can be very daunting for many adults, but our employees have really taken to it and they have grown in confidence both inside and outside work.

"A large proportion of them have gained nationally-recognised qualifications through the learning centre, developing their own potential and enhancing the ability of Remploy Burnley to look after our customers."

The 47 employees will celebrate the day by tucking into a specially commissioned cake.