WHEN it comes to surfing the Internet, Darlington pensioner Blanche Minto is an award-winner.

Determined not to be left behind on the information superhighway, she enrolled on a computer course at community group Cable, in Cockerton.

Having successfully completed five modules of the basic skills entry level course without missing a session, she has been presented with a senior learner award as part of adult learners' week.

Now a regular Internet user, Blanche has set up an email account to keep in touch with her granddaughter in London.

"I wanted to keep in touch with all the new jargon," she said. "I have been learning to surf the web and have managed to find sites to help me with my tapestry and weaving hobby and downloaded some free patterns and templates.