LEARNING is a good way to improve your lot in life - and it is good for your health too.

That is the view of Basingstoke College of Technology's principal, Judith Armstrong.

Speaking at the second Basingstoke Adult Learner Awards, Ms Armstrong said that, in addition to the "feel-good factor" of studying, there was plenty of evidence linking learning and health.

And she was full of praise for students attending the ceremony, held at Basingstoke's Apollo Hotel, which coincided with national Adult Learners' Week.

Ms Armstrong said: "Learning is for the young and not so young. Our young people need the focus of a qualification aim, the prospect of a place at university, a job. But adult learning is different. It broadens the horizons, makes us reflect, rethink, change direction."

She added: "Having interests and active minds keeps us young."

She cited research by the National Institute for Adult Continuing education, which asserts that there are health benefits from learning in later life, with, for example, corresponding reductions in care costs.

Other research showed increased confidence and pleasure of acquiring new skills, with people claiming their physical health had benefited and some were better able to manage illness. Others felt more energetic or reported improvements to their emotional and mental health.

And it was pointed out that adult learning can even help people become better parents and improve relationships.

Ms Armstrong said: "Adult learning is one of the most important priorities for a community like ours.

"The town needs adults to be skilled, to help address the many skills shortages and employment opportunities that exist."

She spoke about the new Government target to ensure that everyone in the workforce should be qualified to at least "Level 2" - the equivalent of 5 GCSEs - by the year 2010.

"At BCOT, we are playing a major part in achieving this target," she explained. "The South East has been selected as one of two areas nationally to trial this new entitlement - free qualifications for people over 19 without a Level 2.

"It will be great for the people and great for employers."

She also spoke about the impact that adult learning can have on leisure time, such as "understanding a bit more about the wine we drink, cooking gourmet dinners, and interior design aspirations".

She pointed out the fitness aspects, such as swimming and yoga, adding: "We can easily take the stress out of everyday lives - with a little bit of adult and community education."

And she stressed: "Don't feel guilty if you're not doing a PhD - just enjoy a new challenge doing something different with a new set of friends."

Winners and runners-up in this year's Adult Learner Awards all received certificates, with each category winner also taking away a cheque for £150.

The presentations were made by borough mayor Cllr Gerry Traynor, who congratulated the students for their dedication to their studies and had high praise for BCOT.

He said: "Isn't it marvellous how things have moved on, from the Tec college in a market town to a college that we are all proud of, knowing our young people, and not so young people, will go there to be further educated.

"It is absolutely superb that this could happen in our town."