There are also plans to encourage adults from the local community to visit the centre and learn how to use the computers on Wednesday mornings.

Although the computers were free, the association had to pay £75 to have telephone lines put in for computers to be linked to the Internet.

Mr Kelly said: "Our funds were a little low, so we had to ask the community for help. We went around with collection buckets and everybody gave what they could. It was fantastic.

"This is not just for the kids. We want the adults to be able to come in and use them."

Durham County Council's cultural services department has offered help to the association through Community Pathfinders.

Vivienne Dryden, Community Pathfinders project worker, said that Pathfinders would teach volunteers how to deliver basic computer courses and take care of maintenance.

She said: "I think it is a fantastic opportunity that Rick and the association are providing to the residents, and we will be there to help when and where we can.