A PENSIONER who has proved that new technology is not restricted to the younger generation will be rewarded for his computer skills tonight.

Bill Callen, 84, regularly contacts his brother, Harold, 86, who lives in Canada, and his sister, Margaret, 82, in Belfast, via e-mail.

The retired RAF radio operator has just completed a computer course at Darlington College at Catterick, North Yorkshire, and has recently embarked on another.

He said: "My mam lived until she was 105, so I should still be here at college in 20 years time still learning."

His efforts and unbridled enthusiasm for student life have earned him an accolade from Darlington College of Technology.

Tonight he will be presented with the Commitment to Life-Long Learning Award at a ceremony at Darlington's Civic Theatre.

"It all started when my son, Geoffrey, signed up at the college for a computer course and really enjoyed it, so I thought I would give it a go," he said.

"I love going into college. The tutors are a first-class set of people. I couldn't have learnt what I have without them, and it is such a nice environment in which to learn."

Almost two hundred prizes will be presented at the annual awards ceremony, compered by BBC Radio Cleveland presenter Matthew Davies and the college's director of external relations, Sue Campbell.