VILLAGE halls, community centres and libraries are signing up to offer their members free computer training, courtesy of The Northern Echo's CommuniGate programme.

CommuniGate is offering to hold sessions at community venues, including UK Online facilities, with at least three public access Internet-connected computers.

The Travelling Workshops package includes:

* A free CommuniGate tutor on a regular basis for a fixed one to two-hour slot;

* A free Adult Learning resource in the venue;

* The opportunity to offer participants a TROCN level 1 certificate in Web Page Design (subject to assessment criteria);

* An opportunity for venues across the North-East to promote their community ICT services more widely and effectively via The Northern Echo, the Darlington and Stockton Times and the Advertiser series.

The first series of workshops will start in September, but interested venues need to apply before August 23. To do so, visit www.communigateworkshops.co.uk