DEVON County Council has designed a programme of workshops and activities in support of the national Festival of Learning this summer.

The Festival of Learning is to encourage adults, families and communities to give learning a go and try something new.

During May and June, over 300 events are taking place are taking place in Devon County Council's adult education centres, libraries and other venues.

The Festival is being organised by Learn Devon, the new name for Devon Adult and Community Learning, who is pleased to be working with Devon Libraries, Devon Heritage, Devon and Somerset Trading Standards, the National Trust, the Exmouth Festival organisers and organisers of the Contemporary Craft Festival at Bovey Tracey and others to provide a varied programme.

Cabinet member with responsibility for 'Learn Devon' Councillor Roger Croad said: "Adults who continue to learn throughout their lives are healthier, happier and have greater self-esteem and confidence.

“Adult learning helps people stay active, improve skills and get back into work as well as contributing to the improvement of society, community and the economy."

"I would encourage people to browse through the programme of events and activities and take the opportunity to start a new hobby or interest, develop their skills towards employment or volunteering or to add a new experience and meet new people.

"The Festival of Learning will be held over a period of six weeks from May 12 until June 21 - with each week centred around the different themes.