A NEW computer centre for people in the Pickersleigh area of Malvern was opened on Saturday.

The room at the Pickersleigh Centre, Baxter's Walk, has five computers with internet access, which can be booked for special sessions.

Centre manager Jennette Davy said: "The original concept was to provide a service for people who wanted to surf the internet and could not afford access at home, together with the opportunity to help people terrified of computers."

She said this was an important service for the Pickersleigh area, where people tend to have fewer skills and unemployment levels are relatively high.

Mrs Davy said she decided to launch the community computer centre after Learn Direct stopped running computer-based courses at the centre in July. She was helped by Malvern Link business Computer Link.

A First Steps session on Monday morning, from 10am to 1pm, will introduce people to computers and the internet, so they become confident enough to take a computer course. Surfing for Fun sessions on Wednesday and Friday, from 10am to 1pm, are open to anyone. The U3A computer club will help run the Friday morning session. A games session for children takes place on Saturday, from 10am to 1pm.

Booking is essential. Charges will cover the cost of electricity and internet access. Mrs Davy also hopes to build up a small fund to replace equipment.

The price for 10 sessions is £10 adults, £8 OAPs and unemployed people and £5 for under-15s. Group sessions are available at £5 per hour for five computers.

Contact the centre on 01684 568646.