LOCALS at a country pub are being given the chance to surf and sup at the same time after a cosy computer room opened yesterday.

David and Susan Hawksworth, licensees of the Fox and Hounds, in Bullamoor, near Northallerton, have had four computers, a scanner and a printer installed with free online facilities for customers.

Mrs Hawksworth said: "People who come here find the Locals Online facility really useful and the fact they can enjoy a drink at the same time is a bonus.

"It has already taken off very well in the short space of time we have had them installed and I hope the attraction goes from strength to strength."

The suite was set up on the premises with help from North Yorkshire County Council Community Education Service and UK Online.It is accessible for wheelchair users and includes additional support items, such as screen enlarger and large button keyboard.

The launch coincides with the national initiative, Adult Learners' Week. The county council's executive member for education, Councillor Chris Metcalfe, said that learning was for everyone, whatever their age or experience.

"The friendly support available in this pub will be a real draw for local people, interested in accessing the Internet for shopping for food, clothes or holidays, or for contacting friends and family by email," he said.

"We are particularly interested in showing people who have retired from employment how the Internet can broaden their horizons and bring pleasure and satisfaction to the increased leisure time they now have available."