RELUCTANT adult learners may be tempted back to education thanks to a new partnership between Costa Coffee and Bournemouth and Poole College.

Wine Appreciation and Indian Head Massage are just two of the college courses which will be held in coffee shops across Dorset in conjunction with PopUp College.

Jason Elsom, PopUp College Chief Executive, said: "At a time when adult education is under threat, we wanted to give people the chance to come in one night a week and learn a new skill, have some fun and also socialise at the same time. The Costa store creates a welcoming environment for adults who want to learn, but are put off by the idea of a traditional college classroom."

Sandy Gourlay, Charity and Community Manager, Costa Coffee, added: "We’re delighted to support Jason and PopUp College with his exciting new initiative to create accessible courses to engage adults in education and teach people new skills. Come down to your local Costa store to find out what’s on offer and sign up."

Costa shops in Broadstone, Southbourne and Ferndown will host Indian Head Massage courses and Wine Appreciation will be held in Wimborne, Broadstone, Ferndown and Blandford.

When the coffee shops close, the college courses will begin with participants able to purchase food and drinks while they are there.

PopUp College offers a total of 240 courses in 55 locations across the UK from Exeter to Middlesbrough and Solihull to Nottinghamshire.

It is hoped more subjects will be on offer in Dorset soon including parent and child exam preparation classes and access to higher education courses.

Anyone who would like to find out more should go to popupcollege.co.uk for details