A WOMEN'S Institute hut has been transformed into a computerised centre for learning, thanks to a National Lottery grant.

The computer suite in Middleton St George, near Darlington, has proved a success.

In just over a fortnight, 26 students, aged from 36 to 75, have enrolled for free lessons designed to give people easier access to the Internet.

Councillor Doris Jones said: "It is just over three years since we put in a bid to the National Opportunities Fund, through the Darlington Partnership. The money came through this year but we have been dogged by bad luck.

"First of all, we had the fire at the school next door, then it was the school holidays, which prevented us from accessing the school's modem."

The hut is the eighth UK On-line centre in the Darlington borough. Courses are on Wednesdays and Thursdays.