A free computer course is on offer to residents of a Teesdale village.

Basic computer training, which was promised as part of the Gainford Online project, starts in the new year.

The five-week course is at Gainford Village Hall on Mondays, from 2pm to 4pm, beginning on January 16. Laptop computers will be provided.

It will be run by Pat Kingsnorth, who held similar classes at the hall in 2000 and 2001.

The sessions will be followed by mixed ability drop-in sessions, also on Mondays, when Ms Kingsnorth will help with IT problems and offer advice on basic skills. To book a place on the course, call (01325) 730234 or visit www.gainfordonline.net