BOLTON Nursery has been awarded an NEC internet-ready PC and 12-months' connection to BT Yahoo! Anytime as part of the BT Community Connections award scheme.

And, in addition, the nursery, which was launched earlier this year, has also received Microsoft Office software as part of the enhanced winning package.

The scheme, now in its third year, has awarded more than 3,400 awards to a diverse range of groups throughout the country. The scheme has enabled groups to access a wealth of information and communicate via the Internet, opening up fundraising, promotional, recruitment and training opportunities.

Bolton Nursery was among hundreds that entered in the North West region and impressed judges with its ideas on how an Internet-ready PC would benefit its local community.

The nursery plans to use the Internet to help with administration and research by staff as well as help the children develop their IT skills.

Nursery manager Amanda Simpson said: "The computer will be used by staff and children. The Internet access will benefit the staff not only in the administration but also in the research of topics the children will be following. We have already built up a library of children's interactive software which will help them develop their computer skills while learning about the world around them."

Regional communications and PR campaigns manager for BT Catrin Hughes added: "This award scheme aims to give as many people as possible access to the Internet and allows groups to develop their projects using easier and more effective methods."