TIME is running out for village halls, community centres and libraries to sign up for a free computer training scheme run by The Northern Echo.

The paper's Communigate team is offering to hold free sessions at community venues, including UK Online facilities, with at least three public access Internet-connected computers.

Interested venues must return the entry form or visit www.communigateworkshops.co.uk before Saturday.

Communigate editor Andrew Hutton said: "The Communigate travelling workshops programme offers a superb opportunity for local community venues to run a series of free workshops in their location.

"We provide a professional tutor for sessions over a four-week period, and participants can learn how to build a slick and attractive website for themselves or their group.

"Learners will also be able to sign up to receive a basic qualification in web page design, using Communigate, during the workshops.

"All of the venues taking part will be included free of charge in our publicity for the programme and we will even provide some free posters to allow local advertising of the workshops. We welcome applications from new venues or those who have participated before."

The first series of workshops will start next month.