PENSIONERS are getting to grips with computers, thanks to a new scheme.

A taster session was held at Herbert Harvey Court, in Covingham, last week.

Kathy Moore, from Swindon College, was on hand to give advice and training.

Some of the pensioners were already more computer-savvy than others.

Alan Dixon, 81, who has lived at Herbert Harvey Court for nine years, already has a laptop and has been shown the ropes by his nephew.

"He came with me to buy it and then set it all up for me," said Alan.

"I've sent one email so far and he wrote back, so it obviously worked.

"Next I'm going to send an e-mail to my niece in Sunderland.

"I've been wanting to find out more about computers for a few years, but never really had the opportunity. This course is a really good chance to have a go."

John Northcott, 80, is similarly enthusiastic.

John, who has been at Herbert Harvey Court for three years, said: "For years I've been doing a family tree and on the internet you can get a lot of information, so I hope to look into that.

"I'm also hoping to get in touch with my cousins in Australia and the USA.

"It will be very time-consuming because I'm new to it, but if you're enjoying yourself you don't mind spending time on it."

The sessions are being run by Age Concern Swindon, with funding from Swindon Council and a grant from BT.

Jo Osorio, the director of Age Concern Swindon, thinks that with more services online and families choosing to keep in touch via e-mail and webcams it is important that older people are not left behind.

He said: "The aim is to introduce older people to the world of computers at their own pace.

"The sessions are very friendly and informal and there's no pressure on anyone."

Bobbie French, from West Swindon, who is shortly to move into Herbert Harvey Court, thinks older people are missing out if they can't use a computer.

She said: "You're left behind if you can't get on the internet these days.

"People use it for booking holidays, shopping, talking to families - everything."

Bobbie would also like to see a local version of a scheme trialled by Age Concern in Liverpool, which used Nintendo Wii's as a way of encouraging older people to exercise.

"I used one with my grandson and it was fantastic," she said, "I played ten-pin bowling, which in real life I can't play because it's too difficult for me to get down."