Forget the beauty contest - the traditional holiday camp can now add online learning to its list of activities.

Butlins Skegness last week became the first Butlins education centre, offering free training to holiday-makers wishing to improve their numeracy and literacy skills. Holiday-makers can take online tests in literacy and numeracy and gain certificates in nationally-recognised qualifications using tailor-made activities based on a games-based approach developed by learndirect.

However, the Red Coats will be left to do what they do best, while staff from Boston College and First College Skegness workplace training college will support learners in the Butlins centre.

Launching the 'Skills for Fun' centre, Ivan Lewis, Minister for Skills and Vocational Education said: "This centre is designed to help people get more out of their holiday and find an enjoyable route back into learning. Holiday makers can achieve a national certificate from any exam board in literacy and numeracy up to GCSE level. It will be sent to their home after their holiday and could make a real difference to their CVs."

Head of Butlins at Skegness, Chris Baron said: "Our new learning centre is sited on the way from the accommodation to the beach and will attract people in. Once hooked people will hopefully want to spend a little time each day enjoying this superb facility and find rewards they never expected on holiday."

Butlins staff and local residents will also be able to benefit from the centre, which is funded by the Learning and Skills Council.