RURAL citizens in Furness keen to learn computer skills are being offered training on their doorstep.

Instead of travelling to far-flung colleges, keen students can board 'The Computer Explorer' - a mobile bus packed with PCs and IT training kit.

The bus is run by Age Concern and will be travelling to Askam, Ireleth, Dalton-in-Furness and throughout the Duddon Valley, courtesy of a £16,200 grant from Cumbria County Council's First Aid to Rural Cumbria project.

CCC chairman Coun Ralph Aldersley gave his blessing to the mobile training unit as it made its first trip to Broughton-in-Furness on Tuesday.

"The Duddon Valley was badly affected by the foot-and-mouth crisis and this new facility will benefit the community in a number of ways," said Coun Aldersley.

"It will enable individuals to access training and then, hopefully, employment.

It will also be a boost for community groups and businesses, providing much needed technology in a rural area where there are very few facilities."

The 'Computer Explorer' bus is one of four that Age Concern is operating in England.

The Furness bus has been working in Barrow since March and recently won the best UK online centre regional award for the North West.

Community groups in Furness have benefited from more than £40,000 of First Aid for Cumbria grants including £870 to a new Dalton Film Club at the Cavendish Arms and £9,000 to Furness Enterprise.

In total, nearly £500,000 has been given out across Cumbria since April and the fund is now almost exhausted.