Students says they are "distressed" by news that adult courses are being cut back at Greenwich Community College.

Subjects including upholstery, french, art, sewing, furniture restoration, sugar craft, soft furnishing, book binding and calligraphy are all popular classes which could be cut.

Each class has an average of 15 to 20 people attending, with some having waiting lists for other learns eager to sign up. 

Student Jenny Marshall, 68, from Belvedere, has been attending an art class in Haimo Road for over 12 years. She said she felt very "distressed" to hear of the proposed closure.

She said: "These classes are not only very enjoyable but are educational, therapeutic and social.

"As most of us are in retirement, I would like to point out that these classes are invaluable to our health and mental state. We do not want to sit at home and vegetate." 

Another art student, Vivenne Parsons, 62, from Mottingham, said " Some people are just lonely, an elderly man around 70 would come to the class and pour his heart out about his late wife."

Ms Parsons believes the classes offer structure to people's weeks and gives them a purpose. 

Interim principal of the college Lindsey Noble said: "The Royal Borough of Greenwich recently requested that, due to increased pressure locally on primary school places, we return the space we currently rent in both Haimo and Heronsgate Schools.

"The college is reviewing the provision currently offered in these centres with the help of the local authority and are hopeful that we can transfer a proportion of the courses to our Greenwich Park Centre. 

"We realise that this news may be upsetting for those who currently enjoy using these centres, and we are committed to keeping the students and staff affected up to date with developments."