BOSSES at Southampton City College have been inundated with calls from angry pensioners over a gaffe in their new prospectus.

Staff at the popular seat of learning were shocked when they opened up their autumn term brochure earlier this month to find they had given the green light to axe concessionary tuition fees.

A frantic exchange between college marketing staff and the prospectus publishers led to a recent re-print to extract the embarrassing clause.

College chiefs believe their swift response will ensure those who have been considering taking a course have not been put off.

Annette Bundy, deputy principal at Southampton City College, said: "The prospectus was delayed for a number of reasons and had to be assembled quickly to meet our deadline. Unfortunately, we missed the inaccurate statement on pensioner concessionary fees.

"We have had a lot of calls from pensioners who enjoy our courses and would like to assure them that we are committed to the Southampton City Council policy of offering non-vocational courses for just £15 each to those over 60 who claim benefits. We will not be cancelling any courses.

"We apologise to anyone who was misled by the prospectus."

Angela Phillips, 62, of Oakwood Drive, Southampton, who achieved a lifetime's ambition by going on a painting and drawing course, feared she was left with a blank canvas after reading that concessionary fees were being scrapped.

The outgoing OAP said the move to abolish concessionary fees was particularly distressing, as pensioners on benefits would still use the college swimming pool, the dry ski slope and other facilities at a reduced rate.

She said: "In view of the fact there was only one person attending the painting and drawing course on Friday morning who was under 60, and that the majority of the students may not be able to afford to attend this class, I thought a lot of courses would just stop.

"I thought my wonderful class would be denied to me. I'm so glad it hasn't been."