THE ExtraCare Charitable Trust, a partner in the Ryfields Retirement Village development, has been officially announced as the chosen charity of Warrington Collegiate Institute as part of its commitment to lifelong learning.

Principal Hilary Tucker announced the introduction of the scheme, which will see ExtraCare become the main beneficiary of the collegiate's fundraising events during 2001/2002.

As long time advocates of lifelong learning the collegiate was recently appointed north west regional winner of the Celebrating Older Learners' award to help promote learning opportunities for older people.

ExtraCare is currently working in partnership with Warrington Borough Council and Arena Housing Association to create the new Ryfields Retirement Village in the town.

Extracare works to support independent and active living for older people through the development of retirement schemes and villages.

Residents are encouraged to continue to live vibrant and fruitful lives, in keeping with the collegiate's commitment to lifelong learning.

Hilary Tucker said: "Our students hold numerous events each year raising funds for many charities and the experience of managing these events makes a very positive contribution to their experience at college, as well as benefiting good causes.

"With this in mind, I have been considering the introduction of a Charity of the Year for some time, which would not necessarily exclude raising funds for other causes, but would provide a focus and possibly encourage further events for ExtraCare."

Tutors and students at the Collegiate are already working with the charity holding discussions and interest groups for future learning programmes, as well as planning opportunities for student volunteers to work with residents.

Lord Hoyle, chairman of the Ryfields Village Fundraising appeal, said: "The collegiate has created many opportunities for older people through it's innovative lifelong learning programmes and we are honoured to have been selected as its charity of the year.

"We look forward to developing a close association with the collegiate, an association that will undoubtedly offer Ryfields villagers unparalleled learning opportunities in the future."