Children loved the children’s entertainer and face-painting, and many of the tots spent hours decorating picture frames.

For the adults, there was the opportunity to get advice on the many different activities due to take place at the centre.

CP Learning Trust development worker and organiser Karen Wilson said she was really pleased with the turn-out, but a little disappointed with the sign-up rate.

She said: “We had a lot of people come along and talk to us, and, as usual, car maintenance, first aid and skills checks proved most popular.

“We did have some really good breakthroughs.

“One lady, who is dyslexic, signed up for an English skills check, although initially she was nervous.

“Once she had sat down with us and realised it’s not like school and it will be in an relaxed environment, she signed up.”

Karen stressed that the tutors on all the courses, run by the Learning Trust, were specially trained to teach adults and could tailor ways of teaching to suit individuals.

She added: “For some people, starting a course can be quite scary.

“They may not feel confident, or think they will be the only ones there who not sure what they are doing – but that’s not the case.

“These courses are great as they are mainly short, so you are not making a long-term commitment to anything.”

Organisers suggest people sign up with a friend or neighbour to make it a little less daunting.

But they also stress that it is a great way of meeting people, especially if they are new to the area.

Other activities illustrated at the centre were hair tips and styling, with the hairdressing students from Peterborough College of Adult Education and digital photography demonstrations.

Cross Keys homes staff were also on hand to offer advice on benefits and using housing options to find a new home, and there was also help on offer with cv writing and job hunting.

The course was part of the East of England Development Agency- funded Learning Communities project that is being delivered in Westwood and Ravensthorpe by CP Learning Trust along with partner organisations, including Westwood and Ravensthorpe Development Trust, Peterborough College of Adult Education, Cross Keys Housing, Peterborough Regional College, nextstep, New Link and others.

Karen added: “We will definitely be running another event soon, and it was great to see so many people.”