RURAL businesses are being offered free places on a college computer course leading to a qualification which is recognised across Europe.

The Optimum Centre, at Bishop Auckland College, is giving away ten places to celebrate the success of its Advanced European Computer Driving Licence scheme.

It is one of the first centres in the region to offer all four modules covering database, Word, spreadsheets and presentations.

The first ten businesses to respond can claim the free sessions between October and December, telephone (01388) 443125.