Millions of adults lack basic maths and English skills

The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, said it was "only the start of the journey".

Some 2.4 million adults have taken up 4.8 million course places since 2001, when the Get On scheme started.

An estimated 5.2 million adults have worse literacy than that expected of 11 year olds, while 14.9 million have numeracy skills below this level.

'Personal barriers'

The qualifications achieved by those taking part in the scheme ranged up to GCSE equivalents.

In a video message to adult learners, Mr Blair said: "Hitting the target is only the start of the journey.

"Many learners have had to overcome exceptional personal barriers and difficulties."

He said he hoped their experiences had given them "the desire to go on and gain further skills and qualifications so that they can fulfil their true potential".

The Get On scheme's participation target has been set at 2.25 million by 2010, with an interim target of 1.5 million by 2007.

Skills minister Ivan Lewis said: "There are still too many people who are being held back in their everyday lives because of their poor literacy, language or numeracy skills."