A BLIND Durham man has started his own business training disabled people to use computers.

David Wilkinson, of Newton Hall, has lost 80 per cent of his sight because of retinitus pigmentosa, and needs a guide dog.

He set up the Training Rehabilitation Advice Information Network (Train) after taking a practical computing course with the National Distance Learning College (NDLC).

After becoming unemployed, Mr Wilkinson realised specialist computer equipment could give him alternative ways of working.

He found that equipment and software was available, but struggled to find people with the expertise to teach him how to use it.

He decided to take the course, working at home, so he could teach others what he had learnt.

He said: "I met up with Brian Dowd, director of education at the NDLC, and decided that a distance learning course would be best suited to my needs.

"I have now completed nine modules of practical computing and, due to the standards I have had to reach on the course, this has given me the confidence to set up Train and teach what I have learnt about specialist software to other disabled computer users."

Mr Dowd said: "I am very pleased that the NDLC has helped David in so many ways.

"He has achieved a lot in setting up Train and the NDLC will support him in his course, and as it develops.'