SIXTY-EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Peter Weller said he was "thrilled" to have won the Senior Learner of the Year Award, sponsored by the Parkinson's Disease Society.

Peter, from Cedar Way, Basingstoke, has never looked back after enrolling on his first IT training course at Basingstoke Learning Centre.

Now he is fully competent in using spreadsheets, database, desktop publishing and the internet, and has achieved a number of qualifications, including City and Guilds Level 1. He is currently studying the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) and has persuaded his wife to join him too.

Peter (pictured above) said: "When I achieved my City and Guilds qualification, my company offered me a job in IT at a very high rate of pay, but I had already retired and wanted to settle into retirement.

"But I did take it as a huge compliment that, at 65 years of age, I was very employable with my newly-acquired IT skills.

"I have never looked back. I find learning to use the computer addictive and I really enjoy attending Basingstoke Learning Centre - the staff are friendly, helpful and there is no pressure.

"My advice to anyone thinking of studying is have a go - it will change your life."

Peter has found his new computer skills useful for producing work, including cross stitch patterns for his church, the Church of the Good Shepherd, in Winklebury.

He also regularly uses the internet to find information about a vintage bus that he is currently restoring.

A NEW world has opened up for 61-year-old Christine Young, of Pelham Close, Old Basing, who was the runner-up in the Senior Learner category.

She has achieved City and Guilds Level 1 and CLAIT Level 2.

Now she is putting her new computer skills to good use by designing kneelers for her church, St Mary's of Old Basing.

Christine said: "When we got our new family computer, I was determined to use it properly - not just play with it.

"I wanted to use it for writing, publishing, the internet and e-mail, and to be able to keep up with our daughters, who both work in IT."

And she was full of praise for the tutors at Chineham Learning Centre, saying: "They have been fantastic."

TRUDY Evans said it was a bonus to be runner-up in the Senior Learner category.

The talented linguist, who has O-levels and GCSE qualifications in English, German, Spanish French and Italian, recently embarked on an IT training course at Basingstoke Learning Centre.

Speaking about the benefits for adult education, she said: "I've gained confidence, more interests, met lots of interesting people and had a great deal of enjoyment."

Trudy's advice to any would-be mature students is: "Have a go and try it, but work hard, because it isn't always easy.

"However, it's a wonderful feeling when you succeed."