RUGBY players, disadvantaged children, rowers, artists and pensioners are among those in the North-East awarded free computers.

BT is giving away Internet-ready PCs to 48 community groups across the region as part of its £1.2m Community Connections scheme.

Winners included Billingham Rugby Club, in Teesside, Motivated Young People, in Derwentside, and Zoe's Place, a hospice for babies in east Cleveland.

Frank Wood, of Northumbria Police, who served on the panel of judges, said: "We were looking for groups that make a positive impact in the local community, demonstrating an innovative use of the Internet while constantly seeking to further improve and unite community life."