THE efforts of a diverse range of students have been rewarded after they successfully completed a Government-funded computer course.

Elderly and visually-impaired people have attended a 30-week course at Henshaws College, in Harrogate, to learn word processing and Internet skills.

Run in conjunction with the RNIB and the Government's New Opportunities Fund, the course was a success, for the college and the students.

The presentation ceremony brought the initiative to a close and Henshaws' principal Jane Cole presented certificates and thanked the students and courseco-ordinators Darren Priestley and Daniel Webster.

Mrs Cole said: "The determination of these students is to be applauded.

"Acquiring computer skills is often difficult, and doubly so for those with a visual impairment.

"The older students have shown equal enthusiasm in mastering a wide range of skills, from desktop publishing to digital imaging."