SOLDIERS based at 29 Regiment near South Cerney are being given the chance to boost their literacy and numeracy skills.

Gloucestershire County Council are providing maths and English classes for soldiers at their Duke of Gloucester Barracks as part of a partnership it has with the regiment.

The courses are designed to build soldiers skills and confidence in maths and English.

Captain Jason Goodchild, unit welfare officer at 29 Regiment , explained that the regiment has been running similar courses for families of serving personnel for a long time, but now soldiers can learn on the base, instead of them having to go off site.

He said: “We’re also joining it up so partners can do the same course, which means there’s a better chance of getting the numbers we need to run the sessions.”

The county council’s partnership with the regiment began three years ago with a series of beauty workshops entitled ‘Look Good, Feel Good’ for wives and partners of serving personnel.

Following the success of the courses, nine mothers progressed to a family learning course which gave them an insight into their children’s learning while also improving their own literacy and numeracy skills.

Shaun Parsons, county councillor, said: “I'm delighted we’re able to offer these courses at the barracks. It marks a significant step forward in the council’s partnership with 29 Regiment with the potential to offer more courses in future, including vocational qualifications.”