On-line is clearly the place to be as older residents in the borough are being encouraged to get into cyber space to avoid missing out on services and deals available on the internet.

A recent report published by the communications watchdog Ofcom claims that older people are missing out on services and the best commercial deals because they do not use the internet as much as other, younger, groups.

To help tackle this Hounslow Adult and Community Education are running special courses for older residents that teach the basics of computing and the internet, alongside their usual range of computing classes that cater for all levels of user - from beginner to advanced.

Cllr Dr Robert Kinghorn, Hounslow Council’s Executive Member for education and lifelong learning, said  “As more and more services become available online, it’s important for older residents to be able to access them. We hope to help them build the skills and confidence they need to use computers regularly.

“The courses are a relaxed and fun way of teaching the basics of computers and the internet. You can learn at your own pace with support from our experienced team of tutors.

“Often, the best commercial deals are only available online, so for people on fixed incomes, access to the internet can be a real asset.

“Even if you don’t own one, computers with internet access are available at your local library for everyone, so there is no need to be left behind.”

Older learners will not be out of place in classes as last year more than one in five learners in computing and technology courses were over 60, and in non-qualification courses, such as internet and Photoshop, more than one in three learners were over 60.

To help access the courses the new course brochure has a section of courses specifically for older learners. This contains course at significantly reduced rates of up to 75 per cent. Over 60’s who want to study for a qualification will not have to pay any course fees, and those taking non-qualification courses qualify for a 40 per cent discount on their course fees.