TEXTILE lecturers made redundant by Huddersfield Technical College are fashioning a new business for themselves.

And the four former lecturers are inviting prospective students to meet them at an open day tomorrow and find out what they have to offer.

Linda Savage, Sian Baker, Gillian Travis and Sharon Bainbridge were laid off in December because of cash cuts.

They went on to set up Creative Skills, a business offering courses in fashion, millinery, stitch textiles and soft furnishings.

It has been running classes at the Textile Centre of Excellence, Red Doles Lane, off Leeds Road, Bradley Mills, since Easter.

The tutors have now just found out they have been given permission to operate Creative Skills as a City and Guilds micro-centre, offering the exam body’s qualifications.

And they are inviting anyone who wants to find out more about what they do to visit an open day at the centre.

Linda said: “When we were made redundant it was a blow because we were convinced there were people out there who wanted to learn what we teach.

“There has been a huge cutback in provision for adults to learn new skills. But we know there were people with the skills and we didn’t want those skills to die out, particularly in a textile area like Huddersfield.”

Courses range in length and cost. A City and Guilds qualification costs £240 a term and there are three 12-week terms a year. The business is due to expand to include courses in upholstery.

Students do not need any previous experience.

The open day is from 9.30am to 3pm. For details phone 01484 346500.