A COLLEGE is putting computers up for adoption in a novel scheme to help unemployed and disabled people.

The Northallerton College project will see computers, which come with a printer and Internet connection, installed in homes throughout the area by senior students.

The Government-sponsored scheme is targeting people on benefits, unemployed people in rural areas, disabled people and lone parents.

Organisers say it could improve computer literacy and give people a better chance of finding jobs - including working from home.

Computers will only go to those who have no access to a machine at home, have completed full-time education, and will guarantee to use it for at least 12 months. Recipients should be prepared to do a 30-hour computer course and pass on their skills to others.

Dr Graham Best, manager of the college's training centre, said: "It's all about giving help to people who need it. The help in this case is not only computer skills but a computer to practise on."