STAFF at Bolton Institute are celebrating the first birthday of their successful global education scheme. The 18 employees at the Centre for Remote Access to Learning have seen the unit multiply in size by more than four times over the last 12 months. It has meant students from across the world have studied courses provided in Bolton without having to leave their own homes.

The scheme is conducted over the Internet and runs from a purpose-built suite at Bolton Institute.

Other technical education organisations in the town including Bolton College and Bolton Training Group have also been involved and the scheme was initially funded by money from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Department for Education and Employment.

It was launched on the tidal wave of dotcom Internet companies and started with just four staff, offering a Master of Science in Advanced Microelectronics for Industrialists.

The scheme now offers BSc (Hons) in Business Studies, Textiles, Health and Safety and Computer Aided Product Design.

Danny Morton, assistant dean of the faculty of technology, said: "The amount of progress we have made in the first 12 months has been phenomenal and a celebration birthday was well justified."

The site can be accessed on cral.ac.uk, or for commercial users on cral.co.uk.

PICTURE A: Staff at Bolton CRAL unit in front of Bolton Institute

PICTURE B: The celebratory cake. Staff of Bolton CRAL unit outside the Bolton Institute and, below, the celebratory cake.