PROOF positive of the benefits of adult learning comes in the shape of hard-working mum Pauline Berney.

The 45-year-old of Hazelmere, Kearsley, left school with no qualifications and admits she failed her 11-plus exams.

But that never stopped her from grafting her whole life and for ten years she was a care worker with Bolton's Social Services Department.

But when neck problems sidelined Mrs Berney from her job she was faced with an unclear future.

"I was considering applying for disability allowance but I was at the stage in my life where I wanted to continue to work," she said. "Thankfully the council has a policy of re-deployment which lets you try other jobs you might not have considered before."

Mrs Berney volunteered to go on the Opening Doors project where she learned a range of new skills.

"We studied English and Maths and many other things as well," she said. "It was a great experience and it really gave me a boost. I have always been a confident person but this gave me a different kind of confidence, it was more a confidence in my own intelligence."

She added: "On the course I learnt about job applications and interview skills and the tutors were fantastic."

So when an opening emerged at Bolton's Register Office at Mere Hall for a deputy registrar she grasp the chance with both hands.

And a year later Mrs Berney is one of the staff overseeing, amongst other things, civil marriages ceremonies.

She said: "My signature goes on all the marriage certificates we issue so I suppose my name will be around Bolton for quite a long time.

"People who know me can't believe what I'm doing now and I have noticed that people treat me differently, with more respect.

"I find the new job challenging but I love it and I would recommend a little extra learning to anyone, it could just change your life."