A centre to help people find their feet in the world of computers is being launched.

St Andrew's Family Resource Centre in Stanley is opening its new IT suite at its premises in High Street, Stanley, today.

The facility, to be opened by North Durham MP Kevan Jones, is aimed at helping people in the community overcome their fears of computers and to offer next step courses and drop-in sessions for the more experienced.

The new training room, containing six Internet-linked computers, was initiated by Sure Start's workstart organiser Lynne Bell.

Lynne said: "At Sure Start we are trying to help people learn new skills, but in our temporary centre we just do not have the space to have an IT room.

"By putting the equipment in a community building, the IT suite is now a resource for the whole community, not just Sure Start families."

The refurbishment of the old church office has been a partnership between St Andrew's Family Resource Centre, Family Services Team, the Learning Network Project, Derwentside District Council and Sure Start Stanley.