PUB-goers across North Yorkshire are being given the chance to surf the Internet while enjoying their pint.

Fifteen hostelries have signed up for the Locals Online project, an innovative scheme to develop a network of rural learning centres across the county.

North Yorkshire is the first county in the country to develop the project and the Fox and Hounds, in Bullamoor Road, Northallerton, is one of the first to go online.

Licensee David Hawksworth said: "It's such an excellent facility for a rural business. Customers find the computers very useful and so simple to use. One visitor from Canada was amazed when he realised he could check his emails back at home."

The aim of the scheme is to encourage people to learn about the Internet while at the same time promoting the Pub is the Hub campaign for local communities.

It has been backed by a £300,000 Government grant as part of the UK Online scheme.

County councillor Chris Metcalfe said: "Pubs have long been established at the heart of rural communities and are an important focal point for social interaction.

"Often where there is no village hall, the pub may provide the only public meeting place.

"They have traditionally been involved in sports and recreation, playing host to a variety of activities.

"It's encouraging to see that so many are now branching out into the world of computers. Rural pubs have great potential to assume a business and community role."

* Other pubs involved in the scheme include: the Blue Bell, Ingleby Cross, near Northallerton; the New Inn, Easingwold; the Fox and Hounds, Langthorpe, Boroughbridge; the Crown Inn, Grewelthorpe, Ripon; the Wheatsheaf Inn, Carperby; the Punch Bowl, Low Row, Reeth; School House Inn, Low Marishes, Malton; Station Tavern, Grosmont; the Royal Oak, Hunmanby; and the Blacksmiths Arms, Cloughton.