COLLEGES and institutions across Kirklees have opened their library doors to everyone.

Huddersfield University staged the launch of the Welcome! scheme, which aims to improve access to learning for people in Kirklees.

Annie Mauger, chief executive of the Government's Yorkshire Museums, Libraries and Archive Council, which paid for the scheme, welcomed the launch.

She said it was only the second of its type in Yorkshire, the first being in Sheffield.

Ms Mauger praised the team involved in the scheme and said the idea had gone from "strength to strength".

She added that she was delighted it would break down barriers about learning and encourage more people to take up learning opportunities.

The scheme has eight partners taking part. They are Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust, Calderdale and Kirklees Careers, Dewsbury College, Greenhead College, Huddersfield New College, Huddersfield Technical College, Kirklees Council and the university.

Anyone living, working or studying in Kirklees will be able to use their libraries for reference or study, although appointments will be needed at some buildings.

Phil Sykes, the university's director of computing and library services, said the scheme was grounded in the university's tradition of working for the benefit of the local community.

Rob Warburton, assistant head of Kirklees culture and leisure services, said the scheme was a major step forward in providing information and opportunities for lifelong learning for people in Kirklees.