Student Heidi Karaba goes up to the ticket office, asks for a return to Ilkley and hands over £1.05.

The everyday transaction might not seem remarkable but is a major achievement for Heidi, who has learning difficulties.

The 32-year-old, who lives with her parents at Heaton, is an accomplished medal-winning swimmer and power lifter, but never went anywhere on her own until three years ago.

But thanks to pioneering training offered by Bradford College, she has learned to get about independently on public transport.

She catches the train from Forster Square station every day to Ilkley, where she works afternoon shifts in the Oasis Caf. The work placement is part of a course offered by Bradford College for students with learning difficulties.

She is one of the successful graduates of the Travel Training Unit at Bradford College, which has 50 students on its books.

Trainers coach their students through the process of buying tickets for the train or bus, finding the right stop or platform and reaching their destination safely.

The project is funded by the Learning and Skills Council which is keen to see more people with learning difficulties reaching their potential by taking up work or training places.

Ron Pearson, placement and travel co-ordinator at the College, said: "When Heidi started at the travel training unit, she'd never made an independent trip on her own.

"Her mother had tried several times to teach Heidi to use the bus, but she says a mother can't do this properly. Parents tend to hold their hand and look out for them."

Until enrolling for the special training, Heidi was ferried about in Social Services transport or in taxis provided by the local authority.

Both she and her parents were keen to try the training programme so she could learn to get to college using public transport, which would make her more confident and independent.

Mr Pearson said the students learn by tackling the journey in pieces.

"People with learning difficulties are desperate to do it. They do not often get lost - that's a misconception."

More of a problem, he said, was unnecessary complexity in the structure of bus fares, which the Travel Training Unit is taking up with Metro.

At Forster Square station, ticket office staff have got to know Heidi and other college students and are pleased to give them a helping hand.

Colin Bates, station supervisor, said: "If they are unsure which platform it is, we will help them out and make sure they get the correct train."

To find out about enrolling on the Travel Training Unit call (01274) 436199.

Arriva Trains Northern has a helpline for disabled passengers enabling them to pre-book assistance at stations. Call 0845 8008008.