PENSIONERS and the unemployed are being offered free computer training.

Durham County Council and Bishop Auckland and Derwentside colleges are running courses at Annfield Plain, Pelton, Ferryhill, Spennymoor and Willington libraries.

People on benefit or pensions, on a New Deal programme or planning to return to work are eligible.

A council spokesman said: "They are aimed at people who have no previous experience and will not only enable them to progress in a friendly, supportive atmosphere, but also give careers advice and guidance.

"The courses will give people the chance to learn basic computer skills and introduce them to word processing, spreadsheets, databases, searching the Internet and mouse skills.''

Sessions are being run at Annfield Plain Library by Derwentside College on Tuesdays, between 12.30 and 3pm.

The college is also providing training at Pelton Library on Monday and Fridays, from 9.30am to noon.

Bishop Auckland College will run sessions at Ferryhill Library on Wednesdays and Thursdays, between 1pm and 3pm for eight weeks starting on July 4.

At Spennymoor Library, sessions will be held between 9.30am and 3.30pm for six weeks, starting on July 6.

Sessions will be held at Willington Library over six weeks, on Mondays and Fridays, between 9.30am and noon, from July 2