AN event to help Chester-le-Street people use computers has been hailed a success.

More than 30 attended the Techy Tea Party held by housing provider Cestria Community Housing at Durham County Cricket Club, to learn about computers, tablets and mobile phones.

The event was the first in Cestria’s new Online Owls project and was arranged with mobile phone company EE, who provided 20 volunteers to pass on their skills.

“We were delighted with the response,” said Paul Bainbridge, ICT Projects Officer for Cestria.

“The event attracted people of all ages who all had different needs. Some wanted to learn how to use eBay, others how to use Facebook. It lasted about two hours and I think everyone went away very happy.”

Online Owls project launched in December with £9,500 from the Big Lottery Fund. It is supported by The Durham County Cricket Foundation, the Foundation of Light, the Chester-le-Street and District Area Action Partnership, Go ON UK and Chester-le-Street Volunteer Centre.

To find out about future courses and events call 019- 385 1436, e-mail onlineowls@cestria.org or visit www.onlineowls.co.uk.