THE New Clicks Project, an Age Concern initiative to get older people learning computing skills through practice, has launched in Okehampton.

The scheme is designed to dispense with courses and fixed subjects, instead helping people to use new technology by allowing them to set their own pace of learning and choose their own topics.

The drop-in sessions, being held at the Age Concern Centre at 2 Crediton Road, will be designed to help those using operating systems Windows 7 and Windows XP.

Both those new to computers and those more experienced can drop in at the centre on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday at 10am or 11.15am, and the team will organise help with using, buying or upgrading computers.

Chief officer Barrie Duke praised the virtues of one-on-one tuition. He said: 'Many older people feel uncomfortable working in a large group and feel that they are trying the patience of instructors if they ask to go over the basics again.

'Computers should be regarded as tools. If we can learn to drive in a short number of lessons then surely we should be able to do the same with computers.'

The centre was chosen along with Milton Keynes and Nottingham universities and South Tyneside College as venues for the BBC Audience Council of England to hold one-day consultations with older people.

At each of the events, participants were given access to computers connected to the internet and were encouraged to explore a range of BBC websites appropriate to each of the three areas —media literacy, citizenship and interactivity — before sharing their views with the group.

For further information on the sessions and New Clicks scheme, call the Age Concern centre on 01837 53409.