A COMPUTER training centre was opened in Chester-le-Street this week.

Fixing the Future, in the Mechanics Institute, is designed to offer high-quality training in IT systems support, and has already recruited 19 full-time students.

The initiative is a partnership between Chester-le-Street and Derwentside district councils, and was helped by a £50,000 Government grant.

North Durham MP Giles Radice, who opened the centre, said: "This partnership between council and college shows their commitment to this community, and I am delighted that the Government has provided resources to support it.

"The students are in very good hands and will gain qualifications in the IT skills they will need in this day and age."

Students on the course, aged between 16 and 19, can gain an IT systems support technician qualification.

A spokesman for Chester-le-Street District Council said: "The initiative was designed to ensure local people had the skills to fit them for the 21st Century."

The Mechanics Institute, designed to cater for students learning IT and the Internet, opened its doors in January and has nearly 700 enrolments.