LATIN lessons are proving popular amongst adults who went back to school as part of a special project.

Over the past six months, 13 mature students have been learning the language of ancient Rome at a weekly class which has been set up at St Columba’s High School in Gourock.

The group have all now passed their first professional Latin exams and are already swotting up for their next test.

Sprightly Rose Travers, 87, a former St Columba’s High pupil when it was based in Peat Road, was thrilled to achieve her first Cambridge Latin course certificate.

She said: “I saw the class advertised in the St Joseph’s parish church bulletin and I thought it was a wonderful idea.

“Latin has always interested me as lots of the words we use every day are based on Latin.

“I’ve really enjoyed the course and Pauline, our teacher, is lovely.” Fellow former pupil and teacher Marie O’Hagan, was also impressed with the course.

She said: “It has been very interesting and great fun as there is a nice, pleasant atmosphere in the class.

“I’ve always loved Latin as a language so it’s great to have the chance to study it.” Their teacher Pauline Cormack, who is the support for learning principal at the school, has been impressed with their enthusiasm for the language.

She said: “I set up the class in January because I have an interest in Latin and I’m disappointed that it’s not on the curriculum.

“I managed to get funding from the Roman Society and from a local enterprise initiative to buy books and materials and we’re using the Cambridge Latin course for beginners, which can take you right up to Higher exam level.

“It has been great and everyone has enjoyed it.” Father Gerry Gallagher of St Ninian’s Church visited the class to present them with their certificates.

He said: “I think this class is a great idea.

“I’d like to see Latin coming back as they say that a knowledge of Latin is a sign of a highly intelligent person.” Anyone who would like to join the class should phone the school on 715250.