SOLDIERS and civilians were given the chance to acquire skills yesterday when the Army's Internet cafe opened.

The Army Learning Centre, at Imphal Barracks in York, will provide Internet access to a variety of online courses.

These will range from basic IT skills, team building, assertiveness and management skills, to Open University degrees and post-graduate courses. The Army's commander in York, Brigadier Andrew Farquhar, said: "The centre opens new learning opportunities.