PRIMARY school youngsters and their parents celebrated the launch of their online centre with an afternoon of entertainment.

Children at Peases West Primary School, in Billy Row, near Crook, thrilled parents with songs, drumming and other performances to mark the launch of their facility. The UK Online Centre has been paid for with funding from Durham County Council and will be used by both parents and adults in the local community as well as the children.

Thirteen other schools in County Durham have been helped by the £505,125, which was given to the council by UK Online.

The Peases West project offers free computer training for people in the community. The IT suite also offers the opportunity for those who want to type up homework, surf the Internet, create CVs or just access email.

Deputy headteacher Robin Nodding said: "It will encourage people, who perhaps haven't had access to computer learning before, to come along and have a go."

Colin Brown's eight-year-old son, Jordan, has already started a computer course at the school.

He said: "It's really good. I couldn't operate anything before but I am getting to learn things slowly.''

For more information about the IT suite or to book a place on the computer course contact the school on (01388) 762380.