Library staff in Devon hope to encourage more visitors by making more than 300 computers available for use free of charge.

The county's library service has just finished a �1.3m information technology programme to ensure all sites have the latest equipment.

A total of 306 computers are now operational in all of Devon's 56 libraries.

Funding for the scheme has come from the New Opportunities Fund's People's Network, which is backed by the Lottery.

Money has also been provided to equip every member of staff with enough computer skills to help and guide users.

Library users can now 'surf the net', send e-mails or use a variety of software for half an hour each day.

In addition, a new computer training suite has been opened in Barnstaple by Devon County Council chairman Mary Strudwick.