CHILDREN who need help with their homework are among those who will reap the benefits of a new computer at a Worcester community centre.

Warndon Community Centre is one of 63 organisations set to receive an internet-ready computer as part of BT's Community Connections scheme.

The centre's users have previously only been able to have access to one outdated computer and a few laptops for a 10-week period.

Lisa Leonard, a community worker at Worcester City Council, said Warndon Community Centre applied for the award around January 2001, and found out it was successful last month.

"We are trying to encourage people in the community to get back into education," said Mrs Leonard, who has spent time in Warndon as a community worker.

"The internet will help achieve that. People find it easy to go back to learning in the centre rather than formally."

A panel of judges allocated awards to groups or individuals who illustrated most effectively how the use of an internet-ready PC would benefit their local community.

"People will now be able to obtain job information," said Mrs Leonard. "We also find that a lot of young people who need to do homework on computers have no access to the internet.

"They are more than welcome to come into the centre. There are guards on the computer to prevent children accessing chat lines and any unsavoury information.

"The internet will be able to benefit all members of the community."

"BT Community Connections is a fantastic opportunity for communities in the West Midlands to get connected to the Word Wide Web," said Derek Inman, BT Community Connections project manager, West Midlands.

"BT recognises the importance of the internet as a way of making a real difference to the very heart of local communities.

"Throughout the UK, BT Community Connections will give an extensive range of groups and individuals access to the internet and help make a positive impact on their day-to-day lives."

Local communities in the West Midlands have another opportunity to enter the BT Community Connections award scheme.

The final deadline in Friday, August 10, 2001.

For further details on how to enter log on to www.btcommunityconnections.com