Braithwaite people can get a college education on their doorstep thanks to a pioneering new partnership.

A "satellite college" is being set up at the Keith Thompson Centre on Keighley's largest council-housing estate.

Keighley College is teaming up with Braithwaite People's Association to offer a wide range of courses.

More than 40 possible courses will cover computing, health, family matters, childcare, security and hobbies.

Sure Start, which supports parents in Braithwaite and Highfield, will arrange childcare so everyone has access to the training..

All residents of Braithwaite and Guard House are being sent a prospectus so they can choose which courses they prefer.

The most popular 10 subjects will be offered during the day and evening at the Keith Thompson Centre in the New Year.

The courses are free and students with children will be provided with creches or fees for babysitting.

John Philip, treasurer of the Braithwaite People's Association says: "We need to get home to people that they have to read the prospectus as soon as possible.

"These courses are needed. We've got unemployment, single parents, people who need childcare to do any training. There are many avenues they can go down."

Mr Philip says courses such as debt management will keep residents away from loan sharks, while others will help people approaching retirement.

The satellite college came about after Mr Philip and Alec Brown, another Braithwaite community volunteer, attended a meeting to discuss European funding possibilities.

They suggested running courses across Braithwaite and Highfield, particularly for people who had to take time-out from jobs and training to bring up children.

At the same time Keighley College had secured money from the Further Education Funding Council to set up satellite colleges across Keighley.

Braithwaite will be first, followed early next year by Hainworth Wood, Bracken Bank and the Sangat Centre in Lawkholme.

John Bewick, the Keighley College manager running the project, says interest has been great from local groups.

He says: "We are keen to work with local partners to ensure Keighley people can access as wide a range of learning opportunities as possible on their doorstep."

Mr Bewick hopes that Objective 2 regeneration funding from Europe will be made available to help expand the programme in future years.

Any Braithwaite residents wanting to find out what is on offer should phone Mr Philip on 01535 610200 or visit the centre at Coronation Mount (Guard House Ring).

Among the courses: criminology, personal security, assertiveness, safe in homes, women's self defence, introduction to computing, designing your home page, yoga, tai chi, aromatherapy, first aid, keep-fit, food hygiene, retirement "the next step", counselling, caring for a relative, helping your child learn, parental rights, knowing your benefits, money management, babysitting, child minding, video making, photography, literacy and numeracy, holiday languages, urdu, home maintenance, interior design, your garden, car maintenance.