Age Concern’s Digital Inclusion Network, of which Age Concern Knaresborough is a member, beat three other finalists to win the prize for Reaching the Digitally Excluded at the National eWell-Being Awards 2008 held in London on April 30.

The nationwide network of technology tutoring for people in later life was developed by Age Concern to support organisations like Age Concern Knaresborough that are delivering projects that help older people with new technologies.

Kath Smart, co-ordinator for IT at Age Concern Knaresborough said: “Being part of the winning network adds to the sense of achievement we have at a local level, and which our students gain personally from taking part in the Computer courses.

“It is very gratifying when older people with no previous IT skills develop confidence and ability which enhances their lifestyle and from which they can gain many benefits.

“Keeping up with the grandchildren is a goal for many, whilst others enjoy researching hobbies on the Internet and e-mailing distant family.”

The Awards, supported by BT and Brother, are designed to promote the benefits that information and communication technologies can bring to society, the economy and to the environment.

Age Concern Knaresborough, has been part of the Digital Inclusion Project for the past three years, and since Cliff House on Hilton Lane opened its doors in 2003 has had over 750 people, over the age of 50, through its doors, taking part in computer classes for complete beginners and people of a more advanced level of IT, including digital photography and genealogy.

The Knaresborough charity is just one of the 137 community organisations that have joined the Digital Inclusion Network since it was set up in April 2007. In just one year 60,000 older people across the UK have engaged in one or more activities throughout the Network. It aims to reach 1.85 million older people over the next five years.

l Friday, May 23 is the next Silver Surfers Day when Cliff House will be open for free taster sessions in computer skills. For more details call in at Cliff House or phone Kath or Fiona on 01423 864956 to book a place.