A LOCAL couple have praised the quality of internet courses held in Worcester.

Over 40,000 residents in Worcestershire are not on the internet, and Worcestershire County Council is offering free courses in The Hive to enable more people to be online.

Alan and Val Hadley, a retired couple from Worcester, know all too well what it's like to have no experience of using computers but learnt during a six week course.

Mrs Hadley said: "One of the volunteers approached me and told me that I could go on to the computers to find out information. I'd never used a computer before so I wouldn’t have known where to start! We were then told about Learn My Way, decided to enrol and we haven’t looked back since!"

Learn My Way is a national initiative offering a variety of free courses to help people get online.

Courses range from the very basic, helping learners get to grips with using computers and the internet, to more advanced courses such as sharing digital photographs and staying safe online.

Mr and Mrs Hadley said: "It was a bit daunting at first and we were apprehensive, it felt like we were both going back to school, but it's been brilliant.

"The volunteers have been extremely patient with us and are always around if we need help with anything. There's no stopping us now."

Mr and Mrs Hadley now regularly use the internet to book holidays, search for information, pay bills and check emails.

They have made significant financial savings through being able to do things themselves, and have now taken the step to purchasing a laptop for use at home to continue their learning.

Mr Hadley said: "We used to rely on our son to do everything online for us, but we have now become much more independent and can do it ourselves!

"Being able to get online has made a massive difference to our lives – it's just so much easier and has taken the stress away.

"Now we can book, pay, apply and find out information 24/7 and at our own convenience.

"To anyone who is thinking of learning about using a computer, just go for it! I think a lot of our generation are frightened of using the internet, but it's about building up your confidence and that's where these courses can really help.

"In this day and age, it's easy to get left behind. We couldn’t be without the internet now."

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for localism and communities said: "This is a fantastic way to allow more people to upskill themselves and find their way around the internet safely, as well as promote the fantastic job our library volunteers do to support learners.

"We are really hoping that anyone who isn't confident about using a computer or the internet will take advantage of the free courses at The Hive, especially as we know that thousands of people in Worcestershire aren't online and don't yet know how to access the internet."