MANY pensioners are deciding to keep their brains in gear by enrolling in part-time courses, according to the Learning and Skills Council.

Its 2003 figures show 237,000 people undertaking education and work-based learning are over 60 a 300 per cent increase since 1994.

Two students at Bexley College making up part of this growing number are Bob Tung and Geoff Heasman, both from Bexley.

Now aged 72, they started attending college five years ago to learn how to use computer software packages.

They met during their first course an introduction to Photoshop. They had both used computers before they retired and decided they wanted to continue using them from home.

Geoff said: "I had worked as a financial adviser for 30 years and only used software needed in my job. When I retired, I bought a computer and realised I barely knew how to turn it on! So I took evening classes to learn how to use packages such as Word."

Bob's love for photography pushed him to sign up for the course. He said: "I could see photography was moving into the digital world and decided if I wanted to carry on, I would need to know how to use the packages.

They have since been caught by the learning bug and continued to attend the college to learn about packages such as Adobe, InDesign and Dreamweaver.

Bob continued: "I love going to college and I don't feel too old at all the ages of the students range from 16 to 78."

Both are putting their new-found skills to good use. Bob is compiling a panoramic picture portfolio and Geoff has created a website on the history of Bexley Village.

Geoff said: "I started up the website a few years ago, but I didn't like the home page so I took some courses to improve it."

Bob is currently using what he has learnt to stitch digital photographs together to create 360-degree, virtual reality pictures.

While Geoff has stated his current, year-long graphic design course will be his last, Bob said he will happily sign up for more courses.

He said: "I love learning new things and these computer packages ensures the brain stays active.

"Once you think you've got to grips with one version, another comes out and you have more to learn.

"I can't see myself ever leaving the college unless they kick me out!"