WHEN June Matthews missed out on her art exams at school, she never forgot it.

Great-gran June, now 67, missed taking an exam in her favourite subject as a child because she was off school ill.

So 10 years ago, she set about making up for lost time - and has since taken dozens of courses in art and other subjects.

June has filled her house and garden with ceramic animals, cottages and miniatures and hand-makes cards.

After taking adult education courses at Bolton Community College, she loves handicrafts so much she has no TV and devotes all her spare time to her hobby.

"I loved art in school," she said, "but I missed the exam and in those days you weren't allowed to re-take it.

Teacher

"I decided I would be a nursery teacher instead, but my love of doing things with my hands never left me and since going to college, I've not looked back."

Bolton Community College is offering a range of courses to encourage more adults like June to return to learning.

There is everything from gnome-making to IT and car maintenance for women, with sessions ranging from short tasters to professional courses.

Classes popular over past summers include holiday language courses, computer courses , computer art and design.

June added: "I've done practically every course you can think of to do with art, like painting and ceramics and I also had a go at Spanish and even woodwork."

For a full list of courses go to www.bolton-community-college.ac.uk or phone the College Helpline 01204 453838.