A GOVERNMENT scheme to encourage more people to use the Internet is being backed by Richmondshire District Council.

As part of the initiative, residents can have a free Internet starter session at a number of online centres in the district until the end of June.

The campaign is raising awareness of the benefits the Internet can offer and break down the barriers that people face to getting online.

Anyone taking a starter session will be entered in a prize draw with the chance of winning holidays, digital cameras, free Internet connections and personal computers.

The council's executive director, Tony Clark, said: "The Internet plays an important part in everyone's life and as more services become available online we want to make sure that people can take advantage of them."