CHILDREN have become regulars at a village pub since its menu was extended beyond food and drink.

The Dun Cow Inn, in Witton le Wear, near Bishop Auckland, has also become an online centre offering Internet facilities to the whole community.

Through n-e-life.com, a One NorthEast initiative backed with European funds to offer rural areas the latest technology, and Locals on Line, an industry-led scheme to make pubs a hub of their community, an Internet kiosk was installed.

Landlord John Wilson said: "Within weeks it became an indispensable service, not only to our regulars, but to the wider community.

"It is used by schoolchildren to help with homework assignments, older people who wish to become familiar with the Internet, as well as drop-in users for a range of activities from booking holidays to sending e-mails."

It is also hoped that the facility will help local business people who do not have access to the Internet.

For details on the scheme call 0191-487 2002 or visit www.n-e-life.com/forbusiness