VALE residents keen to learn about working with children are set to benefit from a free introductory college course organised by the Worcestershire Early years Development and Childcare Partnership.

The organisers are urging anyone interested in careers working with children to attend, to find out the opportunities available and to sign up for the free 15-hour Making Choices course which takes place at Wallace House, Oat Street, Evesham, on Thursdays starting on January 23, between 7pm and 9,30pm, for six weeks.

Carole Postins, training officer for the partnership, said: "This is a great opportunity for people to learn about a possible future career, all completely free of charge.

There are so many benefits to working with children, not least the personal satisfaction of being in a rewarding job."

Anyone looking for more information on the Making Choices course can call the Children's Information Service on 01527 834770. The local programme is supporting the Government's national campaign to promote recruitment in the childcare sector.

As well as running college courses, the Worcestershire County Council-backed initiative has produced a careers guide entitled Choices - Working With Children in Worcestershire which is available at local libraries, JobCentres and careers offices, or by telephone from the Children's Information Service on 01527 834770.