THE first of 14 technology centres aimed at making communities more computer literate opened in Durham City yesterday.

Durham County Council has secured £500,000 from the Government and the New Opportunities Fund to set up 14 UK Online Centres, mainly in primary schools.

The first - at New Brancepeth Primary School - contains 12 computers, colour printers, a digital camera, a scanner, digital microscopes and a range of software.

It will cater for pupils and local adults in conjunction with another centre in the nearby New Brancepeth Village Hall.

The other UK Online Centres will be at Bearpark, Burnhope, Chilton, Coundon, Ferryhill Station, Haswell, Hartside, Ludworth, Peases West, Shield Row, Shotton and South Hetton.

Lindsey Davidson, Durham County Council's UK Online co-ordinator, said the scheme was part of a Government initiative to try to encourage everyone to use computer technology.

"UK Online is for everyone, whether they are unsure of computers and new technology, do not have access to a computer, or have never used one before," she said.

Helen Williams, acting headteacher at New Brancepeth Primary School, said a programme of courses would start soon, hopefully by the end of next month.

She said that adults would benefit from using the centre by enhancing their job prospects and being able to play a more active role in their children's education.

"The suite has an average of one computer to two children, and they do not have to be shifted from one room to another," she said.

"Children will be able to discuss what they are doing at school with their parents, and their parents will act as role models."