THREE new IT training centres will be established in Pendle boosting job hopes for the over-16s in the borough's most deprived areas.

Based in Brierfield, Colne and Nelson, the information technology centres will be run by Nelson and Colne College and are expected to be fully operational next month.

The courses on offer will include basic keyboard skills, computer networking, we page designing and advice on the internet.

Dr Wyn Smith, the college's director of student support, and Jamshaid Yousaf, project manager, said in a joint statement: "These centres will provide community-based facilities and training for people who want to catch up with all the latest advances in technology.

"We are currently inviting applications from adults of all ages and abilities and are hoping as many people as possible will be able to take advantage of this exciting initiative."

The Nelson centre will be based at the former Baptist church, Carr Road. The venues for the other two centres have yet to be confirmed.

The centres were funded by the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB), the European Social Fund and the European Regional Development Fund.

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