AN east Durham IT Centre is celebrating after getting a cash injection of £6,500 to update its equipment.

Shotton IT Centre has been able to get a state-of-the art Smart Board thanks to a grant of £4,836 from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust Community Grant.

And funding to the tune of almost £1,800 from the County Durham Community Fund has enabled the centre to buy a new batch of 19in LCD monitors, operator chairs and computer mice, as well as software.

Jim Currie, manager of the centre, which is owned by the Shotton Partnership, said: “Due to the current economic climate, we find ourselves busier than ever.

“The days of not needing to be computer literate are long gone as doing things online is becoming an everyday necessity.

“We have many referrals from Job Centre Plus as job searches and job applications have to be completed on the internet.

“Thanks to these funders, this new equipment will enable us to deliver a wider variety of courses and will also enhance facilitation of conferencing.”

As well as formal learning, the centre also offers courses in touch typing, digital camera, Adobe Photoshop, basic sign language and Basic IT skills.