Bite Size, the nationwide Learning and Skills Council initiative to give people of all ages a free taste for learning, was launched this week. Sally Churchward goes back to school with some introductory yoga classes...

WHEN you were at school the idea that learning might be a fun thing that you'd choose to do in your free time would probably have sounded ridiculous.

But then again, when you were at school you probably didn't have lessons in belly dancing, online shopping, remote control cars, MCing or age-defying make-up to choose from.

This summer you can try out classes in all these subjects and many more and it's all free, thanks to Bite Size.

Bite Size is part of a nationwide scheme, run locally by the Learning and Skills Council for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, which gives adults aged over 16 a chance to try something new.

The Bite Size programme of courses launched yesterday and continues until July 18.

The classes are all one-offs and function as introductions to new subjects.

The aim of the programme is to show people that learning a new skill can be extremely rewarding and give them a taste of what's going on in the local area.

The classes may lead to a new hobby, further education or even a better job, or you might just want to try out something different for a change.

There's no commitment to sign up to a course after you've done the class and you can take as many of them as you like.

"Our aim is to offer free, fun and easily accessible learning opportunities for adults that help you develop your self-confidence, explore your own abilities and really enjoy learning again," said Penny Melville-Brown, chairman of the Learning Skills Council for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

"If you're worried about going on Bite Size, don't be. When you step through the door, you're in for a really good time."

The Bite Size scheme launched in 2001 and has been growing in popularity.

Last year more than 1,600 people attended Bite Size courses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and 96 per cent of these people rated the classes they tried as either good or excellent.

The organisers are hoping that this year over 2,500 people in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area will try a class.

"The thinking is to encourage as many people as possible back into some sort of learning," explained Garry Ward, corporate communications manager from the Learning and Skills Council for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

"The courses provide a good one-off experience, give people the chance to take up a new hobby, get into further education and make new friends.

"And as well as being good for the people who take part, having more people learning new skills is also good for the economy in the long term.

"Often people say that they can't try something new because of the time of money involved but these courses are free and they only last a few hours at most.

"Bite Size courses can be the all-important first step in getting people back into education.

"It's especially important that the courses are held in all sorts of places.

"Some people might feel uncomfortable going into a school or college, but we have classes being held in sports centres, community centres and even pubs."

More than 600 people have already booked on to courses in the area but there are plenty more places left so it's definitely not too late to try something new.

"Belly dancing and yoga are always popular classes," continued Gary, "but so are information technology courses and introductions to the Internet.

"Parents and grandparents can feel left behind their children and grandchildren when it comes to computers.

"Often they didn't learn about them at school and they don't have to use them in their jobs but after a couple of hours they can log on and send an e-mail to their grandchildren."

The classes on offer include fairly vocational subjects, such as guides to various careers, an introduction to desktop publishing, pub management, an insight into the world of counselling and entry to employment.

There are also plenty of possible hobbies to choose from, including belly dancing, drawing, guitar playing, glass painting and Punjabi dance.

And you can even take courses in being a better dad, healthy lunchbox ideas, football coaching and novelty clock-making.

With so much on offer, it's safe to say there really is something for everyone.

The courses run until July 18 at various venues across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

For more information, call 0800 032 6300, or visit www.bitesize-intros.com