A former headteacher is to launch an online school where people from all over the world can go to learn anything they want.

The web site, called worldofworkshops.co.uk, will allow people of any age to learn anything, anytime, anywhere.

Melanie Rees, 39, from Hove, dreamt up the idea because she wanted to give all people the chance to learn a new skill.

Visitors to the site, which will be launched on August 7, enter key words about the skill they want to learn and will be directed to people who run workshops in that subject.

They can then get in touch directly with the person and organise a workshop, either tailormade to their needs, or find out about a group meeting.

Topics can include anything from computers, pilates and circus skills, to aromatherapy in the home, childcare and parenting.

If there is no one in the area who teaches the skill they are looking for, they can put a notice on the wanted board.

Melanie, who set up Cornerstones School, which helps children who have been excluded from other schools, retired last year and came up with the idea of the web site.

She said: "I was at the school five years and throughout that time I was always looking for people other than teachers who would support the basic curriculum.

"But sometimes it was frustrating because I never knew where to look so teachers and parents could learn new skills.

"I thought it would be really good to have just one place you can go and look."

Melanie, who played hockey for Wales before becoming a teacher, said there were plenty of talented people who could share their skills with other people outside a formal school setting.

She said: "There is no uniform, no teacher, none of those barriers. It would be lovely to see elderly people in homes learning something new or mums at home, finding it difficult to get to work, organising something.

"Education has been great for me. It has taken me to lots of places and I love to see when people have learnt a new skill.

"I think it gives people a greater understanding of the world we live in."

Melanie, who also turns 40 on the day the site is launched, is hoping it will become as popular as Friends Reunited.

She said: "Instead of looking back, this is about looking forward.

"I am hoping the site will run itself but I don't think it will be as simple as that."

For more information log on to www.worldofworkshops.co.uk