The centre in Queen Street has just launched a computing course for beginners that allows students to fit their lessons in around shift patterns at their workplace.

Barbara Adshead, who manages the centre for West Suffolk College, said: "Whereas we used to have classes that were at the same time every week now we have to have something that's more flexible and fits in around people's lives."

One of the students to benefit is Lesley Holder, who is being made redundant from her job as a catering supervisor at Haverhill Leisure Centre, where she has been for 16 years, when the building closes in June for a 12-month period of refurbishment.

She said: "My main thing now is just to progress and get back to the office again.

"I did say I was too old to learn but there was a man of 91 here so if he can do it I'm sure I can."

Students are also able to improve their English qualifications free of charge.

Haverhill IT Learning Centre is open from 9.30am to 1.30pm and 5pm until 9pm on Tuesday and Thursday.

steve.barton@haverhillecho.com