A MOBILE computer gym designed to bridge the technology gap on under-privileged housing estates visited Durham yesterday.

The fully equipped mobile training centre rolled into Sherburn Road during the estate's fun day.

Designed to give computer training and access to people on their own doorstep, the £600,000 scheme has already proved a success on estates in Newcastle and Sunderland.

Following yesterday's visit, the facility will be visiting the Sherburn Road estate every Tuesday for the next nine months, starting on October 3.

Home Housing's community development and training manager Julia Graham said: "A lot of people do not have access to computers and IT training and quite a few are apprehensive about going to college, so this is ideal for them.

"Basically, this scheme has been designed to combat social exclusion and bridge the gap between the technology haves and have-nots.

"Also it is a free service that is right on their doorstep.

"It's an informal, non-threatening learning centre which could help people create job opportunities on estates that suffer from high unemployment."

The mobile computer gym is an informal training centre with eight computers on board and two qualified trainers to offer advice and specialist training.

Run by an independent company with a network of 30 centres across the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, the project has been financed by the North East-based Home Housing Association which has a base at Sherburn Road.

It has commissioned the project for three years and it will be doing the rounds across the region.

Yesterday's events saw the computer gym parkedat Laurel Avenue School, alongside a giant bouncy castle, magic shows, face painting and a visit by a Durham County Fire Brigade engine and crew