FINANCIAL help is at hand for anybody looking to return to full or part-time education.

Colin Bagley, director of children's services at the Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education, explained that a number of schemes are in place to help the unemployed become more employable.

Courses are usually free for adults who need to complete qualifications equivalent to GCSEs or A-levels thanks to Government grants available from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

For those over the age of 19 and studying for a GCSE or A-level equivalent qualification, the Adult Leaner Grant can enable learners to become full-time students.

Students come off Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) and receive a £30-a-week grant while being free to pursue part-time work.

Those on JSA can also undertake free part-time courses to improve their skills, courtesy of the LSC.

Finally, the Institute has a Leaner Support Fund which can help students to overcome barriers to education by providing financial assistance for child care, travel and equipment.

Mr Bagley said: "There really is nothing to stop people returning to work and up-skilling to improve their training and qualifications.

"We are happy to discuss individual circumstances at any time. We are here to help people access education."

To speak to an adviser, call (01472) 311222 and ask for student services.