PERSHORE folk are logging on in their droves to take advantage of a new learning facility in the town. Since it opened on the site of Seals outfitters in June more than 150 people have become members of Pershore On-line.

The centre, funded by Pershore College, offers computer courses and is also Pershore's first cyber caf.

From the first step of switching on a machine to advanced web design, Pershore on-line aims to propel townsfolk into the electronic age.

It costs ten pounds a year to join and members can enrol on as many courses as they want.

Having taken the step of walking through the door, the rest is simple.

Centre manager Ross Wilson explained the process. "The first thing we do is conduct an interview to find out what skills you have and what you hope to achieve. This takes about half an hour and then we can pick and choose the courses ideal for your needs."

Once this diagnosis is complete the courses can be downloaded and learning can begin. Each member has an account and can log-on to any one of the 23 state-of-the-art computers.

However, the learning process may not be quite what people are used to. Mr Wilson explained: "It is self-paced learning - you work with the computer and are not 'racing' against anyone. The programmes give instructions and you follow them at your own speed."

Members with computers do not even need to leave their homes because most of the courses are accessible on the Internet. Despite this, many members prefer to visit the centre, not only to catch up with fellow learners but also because one of the five staff will always be on hand to help them if they get into difficulty.

As well as computer courses, members can also choose from more than 400 Learn Direct courses ranging from basic literacy to business finance.

However, it is the chance to get to grips with computing that is attracting the majority of members.

Centre member Tom Rollins, from Newlands in Pershore, visits the centre with his wife. He said that between them they were in a Jack Spratt situation. "I am computer literate," he said, "but I need to work on my keyboard skills. My wife, on the other hand, is a fluent typist but needs to learn basic computer skills. The centre can cater for both of us - it is excellent."

Another user, Mr Roger Martin of Station Road, said that despite an attempt at more traditional computer classes last year he was starting from scratch. "I am doing an hour a day," he said. "The first few courses were the best - I got to spend my lunchtimes with Carol Vorderman!"

Despite the rapidly expanding membership, Mr Wilson said the centre was ready to welcome new members. "The big problem is getting people to walk through the door," he said. "Once they are in and they see the facilities and meet the friendly staff the rest is plain sailing."