AN INGLEBY Cross publican hopes to team up with Stokes-ley School to use an old stable block for computer classes for villagers and his customers.

Blue Bell Inn landlord, David Kinsella, received support from Ingleby Cross Parish Council this week, and is now waiting to see if the North York Moors National Park Authority will back the idea.

Speaking to the D&S Times, he said: "It's all part of the government's UK OnLine plan. We've held a few computer classes inside the pub before. Phil Watts from Stokesley School has come up with this idea, which fits in with the Government's overall plan to let more people get onto computers.

"They will supply the equipment and pay for the telephone line connections, while I'll provide the accommodation.

"Hopefully, people will come along, learn how to use the computers, and have a coffee, pint or sandwich while they're here. They would also have free internet access.

"It's a good idea for a small village like Ingleby and everyone could benefit from it," he added.

"It makes the pub more open to the community. Speaking as a landlord, I obviously hope more people come to the classes and into the pub as well."

If the national park authority supports the idea and conversion work is financially viable, there could be five computers located inside the stable block. If not, Mr Kinsella, who has been landlord there for 20 years, will be limited to one computer inside the bar.

He understood that a similar scheme took place inside the Fox and Hounds pub at Bullamoor, near Northallerton.

"The stable roof is OK for a stable, but it would need some improvements if computers were to be housed inside.

"The national park authority was worried about granting change of use but hopefully the parish council's support will help."