Anyone in the community can use the shop's computers

The cafe in Okehampton - which is also a one-stop shop for a range of services -provides advice on using e-mail and the internet, plus help for people applying for grants and running projects.

If successful, Age Concern hopes to open similar shops in smaller towns and villages across Dartmoor and north west Devon.

Centre chief officer Barrie Duke said: "It will enable anyone to find information and advice, learn about computers and get help on benefits.

"We want to replicate these centres in other rural towns and villages once they have been found to work efficiently and effectively."