VILLAGE halls, community centres and libraries will soon be able to offer free computer training, thanks to a scheme run by The Northern Echo's CommuniGate programme.

CommuniGate can hold sessions at community venues, including UK Online facilities, with at least three public access Internet-connected computers.

The Travelling Workshops package includes a free CommuniGate tutor on a regular basis.

It also includes the Adult Learning resource in the venue and the opportunity to offer participants a TROCN level 1 certificate in Web Page Design

The scheme also gives venues an opportunity to promote their community ICT services more widely via The Northern Echo, the Darlington and Stockton Times and the Advertiser series.

CommuniGate editor Andrew Hutton said: "Our workshops aim to give individuals, small groups, community projects, clubs, societies and any other non-profit bodies the skills to create their own small website on the CommuniGate service.

"In no time at all, they'll be confident to expand or update their site whenever they want."

The first workshops start in September but demand is expected to be high so venues need to apply before August 21, online at www.communigateworkshops.co.uk or by filling in the entry form printed above.