A RETIRED plasterer from Worcester hopes to make good use of a new campaign to encourage elderly peopleto go on-line and become computer-literate.

David Hayes, aged 66, will be one of the thousands of older people in the country who will take part in Age Concern's Silver Surfers Festival, which began this week.

According to the charity around 62 per cent of the UK population have used the internet - but only 15 per cent the 65 and over age group have tried it.

Mr Hayes, aged 66, said he decided to apply for the course because a computer would allow him to keep records and stay in touch with friends and family.

"I am in a social organisation called the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes and for the past three years I have run the local province dinners," he said.

"To keep records I have had to use free hand and I just thought a computer would be handy.

"I've also got relatives in Canada who are on the internet so a computer will be handy for e-mails.

''My son lives in Cumbria which is also a long way away. I hear e-mail is much cheaper than telephone calls."

Mr Hayes, who is from Newtown Road, attended the first session of the eight week-long computer course on Monday at St John's Library, Worcester.

He believes it is worth learning to become familiar with computers because of their importance in today's world.

He has also seen some of the benefits the internet offers.

"I have spoken to several people who booked their holidays over the internet and they say prices are quite reasonable.

"It is more than likely that I will buy a computer after the course and then I can teach my wife how to use it."

n Tomorrow, Age Concern is holding a Silver Surfers drop-in session for anyone who wants to discover what the internet is all about.

Pop into Age Concern at 6 Sansome Street, Worcester for a free session, any time between 10am and 1pm.