PENSIONERS in South Fylde are proving that the information super-highway isn't just for youngsters.

But the net-savvy senior citizens could find their computer classes stopped if volunteers can't be found to teach them.

More than 60 mature students have so far enjoyed a free six-week basic computer skills course at Age Concern, St George's Road, St Annes.

But their volunteer tutor 37-year-old Karl Golds will soon be taking up full-time employment and they need a replacement.

Linda Salkeld, volunteer co-ordinator, said: "At the moment we are looking for IT volunteers, somebody who can perhaps give us one day a week to provide the tuition.

"And we want to expand into the rural areas as well so we are looking for volunteers in those areas too."

Although the six-week basic tuition is free, donations are welcome, and there is a charge of £1.25 per 30 minutes for internet access and use of e-mail. But there hasn't been a shortage of seniors wanting to learn.

As well as growing in confidence, keeping an active mind, learning new skills and forging new friendships, students are able to talk more easily with their families -- particularly grandchildren -- about computers Linda said.

"It's proved very popular and we still have a waiting list. We do three sessions of one hour each: two in the morning and one in the afternoon, Monday to Friday."

Current tutor Karl said: "We try to fit the lessons around what people want to learn, for example spreadsheets and word processing. We just keep trying to progress, for example we do databases so people can create address books which can later be used for mail merging."

One student, Barbara Sugden, who is in her late sixties, has just started the six-week course and is aiming for IT independence.

"I'm sure I'll find it very helpful. I have got a computer at home and I am on the committee of the WI so I do a lot of posters and things like that. My husband helps me but I wanted to try to do it off my own bat," she said.

Another student, 64-year-old Amy Turpin, has already completed the basic course and will soon start a more advanced course. "I want to learn more about the internet this time. At first I thought 'what am I doing?' but I soon got into it and I wanted to do more."

But more tutors are needed to continue the courses. Anyone interested in volunteering as an IT tutor at either the St Annes or the Kirkham Age Concern computer classes can contact Linda Salkeld on 725563.