Award for oldest learner, 107

Malcolm Wicks looking at one of Fred Moore's paintings last Christmas

A pensioner is being awarded the title of England's oldest learner - at the age of 107.

Fred Moore, from New Milton, Hampshire, has been studying art for the last quarter of a century.

He will be presented with his award by LifeLong Learning Minister Malcolm Wicks at a ceremony in London on Tuesday.

Mr Wicks said Mr Moore, a former experimental research officer for the Ministry of Defence, proved it was "never too late to learn".

'Rich with opportunity'

Over the years, Mr Moore's art studies have included classes in watercolours, oils, drawing and portraiture.

Mr Wicks said: "You don't stop thinking when you stop working. I think of retirement as the new learning zone.

The government says age should not be a barrier to learning

"Retirement now lasts 30 years - years that are still rich with opportunity. And in some cases, like Fred, nearer 50!"

Mr Moore's award is part of the government's Learning in Later Life campaign, to encourage more people to continue learning, whatever their age.

The award for England's most inspiring older learner will be presented to Emily May Butterfield, 94, from Taunton, Somerset.

Ms Butterfield, known as "Aunt May" is a "silver surfer", who uses a computer to improve her literacy skills.

Both Ms Butterfield and Mr Moore will receive £500 of learning vouchers. Nineteen regional winners will each get vouchers worth £250.

Flamenco dancing

Mr Wicks said he had been "astonished and delighted" by the range of learning being undertaken by entrants to the competition, which was open to those aged 85 and over.

Some were studying for university degrees, others had taken up internet training, while others were learning skills including flamenco dancing and novel writing.

"Learning isn't just about employability or achieving qualifications," he said. "Learning is about developing new skills, stretching yourself, taking up new challenges and making new friends.

"Everyone should have the opportunity to learn no matter how old they are or whatever background they are from."

The government was already doing a considerable amount to encourage and develop learning later in life, including spending £54m on developing local adult learning advice networks.

Future initiatives would include developing projects to encourage learning for those in care and residential homes, and for disadvantaged older people.