A TRAILBLAZING adult education scheme has been saved from closure by the intervention of a charitable trust.

The Skillshare scheme at the Trinity Youth and Community Centre, Clitheroe, was faced with closure after losing its annual £26,000 grant from Lancashire County Council.

And angry organisers accused county hall bosses of being 'out of step' with government policy on education.

But now the innovative 12-year-old scheme has been saved from the axe by the John Lancaster Foundation, set up by the successful owner of Clitheroe based firm Ultraframe, which has pledged £26,000 to fund activities for the next year.

The scheme aims to match qualified volunteers with adult learners to equip them with new skills.

Participants from a wide range of backgrounds and ages have gained experience and qualifications in subjects such as book keeping, computers, Asian and European cookery, interview techniques and guitar playing. Women returning to work have provided a high proportion of the people who have used Skillshare

The nursery at the community centre was also set to close and organisers had written to Education Secretary David Blunkett to angrily register their opposition to the closure.

But at the last minute the John Lancaster Foundation came to the rescue and now the scheme is set to carry on as normal.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has brought the Skillshare controversy to the attention of ministers.

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