WHAT an encouraging picture you painted of 91-year-old Harold Lamb who shows the benefits to body and mind of staying active as you get older.

At Age Concern in Bolton we say "you are never to old to learn something new", and we are able to support this at our learning and activity centre in Farnworth where a gentleman joined our computer class saying "I'm 90-years-old you know, it's about time I learnt something about computers isn't it!"

Although we offer a programme of courses and learning opportunities for anyone aged over 50, we recognise that in reality it has a very important social function as a centre for people to meet and pursue their interests whilst having fun in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

Our range of activities now includes introductions to computers, the internet and digital photography.

We also offer conversational French, German and Spanish as well as our established music, arts and crafts classes. An exciting addition this year is a programme of sequence dancing lessons for beginners.

I am eternally grateful to our dedicated and hard-working band of more than 50 volunteers who have enabled us to make this modern and well-equipped centre a lively and vibrant focus of activities for older people.

Without their support and commitment the centre would not have seen the success that it has achieved since it opened five years ago.

We still have a few places left for most of our activities, so, all you older people, get out of your chairs and away from the telly and "use it before you lose it"!

If you would like to find out more call me on 01204 701525.

Geoff Benians

Age Concern Bolton