Older people can find keyboards hard to use

The project will use four buses fitted with PCs and high-speed net connections that will drive up and down the country holding classes for senior citizens who want to learn how to use computers to communicate.

The buses are also fitted with ramps to allow those with wheelchairs to attend classes.

All the machines on board are fitted with special keyboards and large-ball mice to let the physically impaired use them too.

First chance

The Royal National Institute for the Deaf has also provided equipment to ensure teachers and pupils can communicate effectively.

Mobile technology teaching teams are also being formed that will travel to day care centres, care homes and sheltered housing to help pensioners and their carers become more familiar with technology.

"These opportunities will give older people a greater chance to communicate with their friends and family and give many their first opportunity to be 'included' in the IT revolution," said Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern England.

As the three-year project unfolds those doing the teaching will gather information about the best way to bring senior citizens up to date with computer technology and how to teach them to use it.