Newton Aycliffe Learning Centre has been awarded a grant of £48,000 to develop computer skills in the town.

The cash, from the New Opportunities Fund, will be used to support the development of existing centres and mobile outreach services.

Bishop Auckland College will work closely with the Aycliffe Learning Partnership to provide a learning centre and outreach facilities via laptops for those who are unable to access the site.

Ian Jenkins, chairman of the partnership, said: "The Learning Shop is already a success story in the development of Newton Aycliffe as a learning town.

"The grant will allow us to expand our learning facilities and greatly increase the learning opportunities in information technology for everyone, whether they need a nationally-recognised qualification or they just want to dabble.