A former Hollywood film producer among a group mature students taking French lessons in Iver Heath.

Norman Spencer worked on many films with director David Lean and produced the 1971 Hollywood action film 'Vanishing Point'.

He lives in Denham and has been taking French lessons with Activ'French, a group of tutors offering classes for adults.

Mr Spencer said: “I am not in my first flush of youth but I find that age is certainly not a limitation to learn a language.

“I think French is a very special and wonderful language. My grand-daughter lives in a little village in the south of France and my daughter has bought a 'residence secondaire' in Normandy.

“I visit them once or twice a year and I'm not one of these people who could go to a foreign country and speak English all the time.”

Activ'French run 16 classes from complete beginners to advanced and conversational levels.

Stoke Poges resident Jenny Wilkins started taking classes after she did an AS level course with her son.

She said: “Activ'French provides a friendly and helpful environment to practice some conversation. The classes have helped me gain a fresh perspective of France and its culture.

"The hardest step is the first step but with the right teacher and class, you will be encouraged and won’t feel inadequate.”

The classes are at Iver Heath Hall in St Margarets Close and there are other groups in Beaconsfield and Iver.

For more information, please contact Brigitte on 01753 885654, Anna on 07799242634 or email: activfrench@hotmail.co.uk