PEOPLE were invited to sample computer courses at an open day yesterday.

The Hermitage School, in Chester-le-Street, invited members of the community to its UK OnLine Centre, which opened 18 months ago thanks to a £220,000 Government grant.

Intended to encourage more adults to become computer literate, it offers courses ranging from web surfing to NVQ qualifications.

Many courses are free, and participants can choose to complete some at home.

Assistant headteacher Malcolm Davidson said: "We have open days every so often and the response to the UK OnLine Centre has been quite good.

"Some people come in on an individual basis, and we also have community groups that come in and use us."