STUDENTS of all ages now have proof that they have been on a journey of discovery.

Those attending sessions on board the Discovery Bus have been given a certificate after they have completed an Introduction to IT course.

North Yorkshire County Council's executive member for lifelong learning Councillor Jim Clark awarded the certificates on the final day of the course at West Tanfield, near Ripon.

The authority has three Discovery Buses, which travel the length and breadth of Hambleton, Richmondshire and Ryedale/Eskdale taking IT services into the heart of communities.

Each bus has an IT suite which includes eight computers, a scanner, printer and digital camera.

"The key to the success of this course and the Discovery Bus project as a whole, is that we take IT into the community rather than the community having to come to us," said Coun Clark.

"If the bus did not travel out to villages it's unlikely that these students would bother travelling to learning centres."

Course dates and a Discovery Bus timetable can be viewed at www.localsonline.co.uk