A SWINDON College director has been invited to number 10 Downing Street next week in recognition of her efforts in education.

Lynne Scragg, the director of services to students and marketing at the college, and co-ordinator of the Swindon 14-16 partnership, has been invited to meet Prime Minster Tony Blair and his wife, Cherie, at the reception on Monday.

Mrs Scragg will be one of 200 guests from across the country attending the reception.

She said: "It is a great honour to be nominated to go along to this reception.

"I am very excited about going and it will certainly be a day to remember."

Mrs Scragg was nominated by the local Learning and Skills Council, LSC Wiltshire and Swindon, in recognition of her work at the college and for her collaborative work with other providers of education, including schools, colleges and other training organisations in the town.

The reception is in recognition of what the further education sector contributes to society and the economy.

A spokesman for 10 Downing Street said: "Post-16 education and training are central to our ambitions for a Britain of opportunity and security for all in a changing world.

"Colleges throughout Britain are promoting employability, training and lifelong learning, often among the most disadvantaged in our communities."

Mrs Scragg said: "I don't yet know how the day will run but I believe there will be some other ministers there.

"Hopefully we will all get the chance to ask him some questions."

If offered the chance Mrs Scragg is hoping to ask about funding for educational partnerships between colleges and schools in the Swindon area and about Pathfinder Status for the college.

She said: "I have always wondered what it is like inside 10 Downing Street. All the staff have taken a keen interest and I look forward to telling them about the experience."

Mrs Scragg is not the only Swindon visitor to the Prime Minister's residence.

Two weeks ago, street warden Michael Yohans was one of six front-line workers invited to meet the Prime Minister at a reception to honour the workers improving public services for people around the country.

Anthony Osborne