PEOPLE who had never dreamt of touching new technology have just passed a computer course with flying colours.

Grans and single mums are among the first successful Four Estate students at the Hillcrest Centre in Halton Brook, to be awarded with their Computer Literacy and Information Technology (CLAIT) certificates.

Their achievement has boosted their confidence and opened up lots of exciting opportunities.

Older people say they now enjoy sharing their new skills with their grandchildren and young mums claim they're now looking forward to starting new careers.

At 76, May Newman is the oldest student. She said: "It is marvellous not to be excluded any more from this essential skill. If I can do it, anybody can!"

The youngest student, teenage mum Samantha Winter, 17, said: "This has given me a great start. I have now had the confidence to enrol for a health care diploma and I can realise my ambition of becoming a nurse and make a better future for my son, Josh, and myself."

Another student, Sylvia Edwards, said: "I have never even typed a letter before starting this course. I was really nervous but it is so relaxed here."

The informal, comfortable atmosphere has been created to make people feel at ease.

Ray Morton, the centre manager, said: "We are a friendly and supportive centre. A lot of our students have been away from formal education for a long time and have often suffered breaks in their education.

"We are always thrilled to see how people blossom and grow in confidence when they come along to our supportive and non competitive centre, far removed from their experience of formal education.

"We can provide long term support for students and help them to overcome gaps in their education."

A wide selection of free courses is open to anyone. For further details, phone Ray Morton or Phil Allen on 01928-568536.