VISITORS to a shopping centre can pick up advice on education as well as a bargain in a new scheme by Nelson and Colne College.

The college has opened an advice "shop" in the Admiral Centre, Nelson, and already in its first two weeks in operation staff have dealt with more than 150 inquiries and filled the college's information technology courses.

College principal Kath Belton officially launched the project and cut a cake to mark the college's 25th anniversary.

The shop provides advice and information on the wide range of courses, both for teenagers and adults, at Nelson and Colne.

Advanced GNVQ business studies students from the college are also helping play a part in the future of the centre. They have just started a three-week project surveying customers about their shopping habits.

"We're here to celebrate 25 years of helping the community and working with it," Mrs Belton told guests.

"Over this period we have successfully helped thousands of individuals and the provision of this shop will hopefully encourage many more to join us in order to achieve their potential.

"We're very pleased that we work with the community for the community in Pendle."

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