ADULT learners say a Clacton centre has changed their lives after clinching GCSE results.

It was not just teenagers celebrating their results last week.

Chris Botragyi and Jane McCarthy both opened up their envelopes after studying at Clacton’s Adult Community Learning centre, both securing passing grades.

Mr Botragyi, 40, of Kirby Cross, bagged an A* in English.

He said: “I had some problems earlier in life and the opportunity was there to give it a try so I just decided to go for it.

“It was nerve-racking picking the results up, but when I opened them it was absolutely fantastic.

“I didn’t expect it. My hands were shaking holding the paper.”

Mr Botragyi says he would advise other people to take up a class at the Adult Community Learning centre to pick up qualifications in maths, English and science.

He added: “I would just say do it to anyone who has the chance.

“It has completely changed my life. I’ve proved to myself I can do it and I’m looking to do a degree now.

“There have been funding cuts to Adult Community Learning but it’s something I have been fighting against, and we have to keep fighting.

“I know first-hand how big an impact it can have on a person.

“People need to use it to make sure we don’t lose it here in Clacton.”

The centre, in St Osyth Road, offers free English and maths GCSE classes to people who don’t hold A*-C grades in those subjects.

Assessments take place over the next two weeks.

People should call 0845 603 7635 to book an assessment.