HELPING others overcome their fear of computers has brought success to a County Durham woman.

Joy Worthington, has been a Community Pathfinder Project volunteer at the community centre in her home village of Thornley since the beginning of last year.

Her voluntary work has turned into a paid job as a support worker in neighbouring Shotton IT centre.

"Community Pathfinders has been a great help to me by giving me the confidence that I could actually do a job," said Ms Worthington.

"What I really wanted when I joined Pathfinders was to gain confidence, acquire some work experience to help me in my search for employment and at the same time, hopefully be of some help to the local community."

The project is a partnership between Durham County Council One NorthEast and the Learning Skills Council.

It is aimed at helping anyone over 16, without easy access to IT in community centres or schools or who might be reluctant to go to college.

"Joy's experience is a great example of what people can achieve through the Community Pathfinders Project,'' said the scheme's co-ordinator, Vivienne Dryden.

Anyone wanting more information about the project can contact Vivienne at 0191-383 3716.