A COMPUTER training centre is seeking to expand its operation just one year after logging on in a former east Durham mining community.

The information technology (IT) venture in Shotton Colliery was the brainchild of a group of village volunteers, who wanted to create new opportunities for residents.

One year after launching the six-day-a-week computer sessions, the centre has outgrown its premises and is hoping to win extra funding to enable it to provide an even broader service.

Since its inception the unit has seen its handful of initial users grow to more than 500, with many more showing interest in learning the new technology on offer.

The centre has appointed two full-time workers, including manager Gary Spuhler, who work alongside a band of volunteers.

Celebrating the first birthday of the centre yesterday, Mr Spuhler explained how the venture had been inspired by a group of founder volunteers.

They had been helped by grants from the European Regeneration Development Fund, Northern Rock, Shotton Parish Council, the European Rechar fund, and Easington District Council.

Mr Spuhler said the original volunteers had recognised that the community had become an employment blackspot, with economic difficulties and few opportunities.

He said the IT centre was seen as a way of providing residents with the chance to become familiar with new technology, as well as helping to improve job opportunities.

"There have been many people who have come to us and have been able to get new jobs or promotion in their own work because of the skills they have acquired from the centre," he said.

Several groups now use the centre in the village's parish meeting rooms in Friar Street, including a jobs club and skill builder club, and a club for the deaf.

"For people with hearing difficulties the centre has opened up a new world for them," said Mr Spuhler.

Shotton History Group has been busy working in the centre to produce a book on the village's past.

"The centre has been a real success story.

"We now hope we will be able to expand to meet the growing demands of village residents,'' said Mr Spuhler.

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