A PLETHORA of commitment-free learning tasters for the class-shy are being laid on throughout June for all those who have toyed with the idea of studying for a new skill but never quite got around it.

One to three-hour sessions covering everything from computing to circus techniques are being held throughout the county as part of a campaign spear-headed by the Learning and Skills Council to encourage people to try their hand at a new skill.

Comedian Johnny Vegas (pictured right), who started life as a potter and recently penned and performed a radio series about the adventures of a pottery evening class, has added his weight to the campaign. He said: "I thought I'd be a potter all my life then I tried stand-up comedy and people laughed and paid me good money too! Until you try something new you never know what you can do so I hope people will give it a shot."

Mick Farley, executive director of Cumbria's LSC, stressed that the Bite Size intros were "sessions not lessons".

"They are short, easy learning tasters that give people the chance to try new skills or hobbies in a format that can be easily fitted into busy days and real lives," he said.

All the sessions are free and are being held day and night at venues across the county.

South Lakeland, Eden and Furness Bite Size Intros include: Circus Skills at the Cock and Dolphin pub in Kendal, How to Shop on the Internet at Burlington CDC in Kirkby-in-Furness, a make-up workshop at Kendal's Hallgarth Community Centre, Salsa Dancing at Broughton-in-Furness and car maintenance at Shap CDC.

Full listings are available at http://www.bitesizestuff.info or via phone on 0845-0700-588.

June 4, 2003 10:00