A SCHEME, which will involve 500 community groups, has been launched to provide free training to help more people get online.

Funding has been awarded to launch the Hyndburn-wide project, which will see schoolchildren and volunteers pass on internet training in community venues.

The Hyndburn Community Hub scheme from Accrington’s New Era Trust, will help individuals learn more about the internet.

The scheme will also invite the borough’s 500 offline community groups to apply for help in setting up websites.

The scheme is to be launched tomorrow after £35,000 worth of funding was awarded from UK Online centres.

It is expected to see a host of new Hyndburn-based websites launched by local groups to encourage new members, stay in touch with existing ones, and advertise events.

The training is to be delivered by high school pupils from Rhyddings and Hollins Schools, plus dozens of adult ‘digital dhampions’.

Organisers say at least a fifth of people in the community have never used the internet, due to lack of access to training and equipment. Project manager Richard Wallwork said: “The most deprived areas in the borough have even higher levels.

“Over the past year we have built up a team of around 70 digital champions who will give introductory training about how to use internet technology. Now this funding will enable us to train local groups to create a web presence.

"This will help them in all sorts of ways, and already created massive social change elsewhere.”

Pupils and digital champions are to train groups at the Paradise Street New Era Centre and also the two high schools.

Deputy leader of Hyndburn Borough Council Clare Pritchard, said: “The project will strengthen community access to online facilities for decision making and will target disconnected people within our most deprived wards."