PEOPLE across Newton and Haydock, who have never had the chance to surf the net, can broaden their horizons thanks to the launch of two new initiatives.

The People's Network, which connects all borough libraries to the Internet as part of the Government's commitment to provide everyone with the chance to get online, and the Community Access to Lifelong Learning (CALL) project went live last Friday, February 14.

CALL will offer basic computer training courses to local people to encourage them to pursue lifelong learning.

St Helens Borough Council received National Lottery grants of more than £400,000 to install the equipment in 13 libraries, including Newton and Haydock East, and five community centres, including Newton family centre.

Clr Andy Bowden, executive member for lifelong learning, said: "These excellent initiatives will make available new worlds of learning, information and opportunity to local people and communities and will give them the chance to develop their knowledge and to learn new skills."

Clr Jeff Molyneux, executive member for social inclusion, said: "The People's Network and the CALL project provide a new infrastructure of information and community technology learning centres which will reach as many communities as possible across St Helens extending opportunities to everyone."

The new facilities will provide learners with access to the national Community Grid for Learning and will encourage the creation of community-based web sites. The learning centres will form part of a national network of 6,000 UK Online Centres.

For more information about the facilities, contact Jill Roughley on 01744 455404 or Pam Meredith on 01744 455494.