NINE drop-in centres aimed at improving people's information technology skills are being launched to help deprived areas of Darlington.

Almost half a million pounds of funding has been agreed to allow the first six centres to be set up.

Additional money is being sought for the other three.

The centres are in areas of the town which Government statistics show as being deprived, said Rumana Ramzan, general manager of the Darlington Partnership, which is responsible for the project.

The first three drop-in centres will be opened at Morrisons' North Road centre, Skerne Park School and Willow Road Community Centre.

The launch of the three centres are scheduled for June/July, September and November, respectively.

The second group of centres will be launched towards the end of the year, at The Northern Echo's Priestgate offices, Haughton Comprehensive School and in Gladstone Street.

The Darlington Partnership is running the project, with Darlington College of Technology as the lead partner in the first three centres and Darlington Borough Council in the following three.

Computer firm RM has been successful in bidding to supply equipment.

Five jobs will be created under the initiative, using New Opportunities Fund money.

For the two phases, a total of £481,056 has been awarded by the fund.

Project staff are being appointed, headed by project manager Sally Hall, who took up her post this week.

A bid for funding for a third set of three centres has been submitted, again with Darlington Borough Council as the lead partner, and a result of that bid is due in September.

If successful, there will be further centres in Red Hall, Branksome and Middleton St George.

Ms Ramzan said: "We hear in September whether we have been successful or not, and we would probably roll those out at the beginning of the following year. The project is to allow everybody access to developing their skills in the electronic age."

As well as the five jobs, the partnership is looking for volunteers to help to man the centres. Anyone who would like to help is asked to telephone (01325) 388628.