WARNDON residents as old as 80 are going on-line thanks to a free course run at the community library.

The Cranham Drive library is offering a basic introductory course for people over 50 to learn how to use the internet.

"Lots of people say 'I'm too old to learn'," said Bev Pope, assistant librarian at Warndon Library.

"This is designed for people who have never held a mouse before.

"We do things like set them up with an email address. Some of them have children overseas and we show them how much cheaper it is than writing letters or using the phone."

The recently established class, called Silver Surfers, is the only course of its kind in Warndon.

"I had no IT training before this and I'm 50 this year. It works very well when I'm helping because I'm someone who is new to it as well.

"We recommend people come for four weeks to learn the basics. After that, they can come in at any time to use the computers."

The classes run on Wednesday mornings between 11am and 12.30pm.

"At the moment we have about 10 people between 58 and 80," Mrs Pope said.

"We've had a lot of success. People do find it relaxing and helpful. Two members are going on to Elbury Mount for extra learning. One of them is going to trace a family tree," said Mrs Pope.

Staff at the library have all received training to help people go on line and the internet facility comes in handy for the library's homework club.

"On Tuesday afternoons, after school, children come in with their homework and we can help them find the books or find what they need on the internet," said Mrs Pope.