Computer novices from Erdington leapt at the chance to develop their IT skills at a popular online event held at Wyrley Hall.

Eighteen residents from the Wyrley Birch estate signed up to the UK Online scheme, a national initiative to make the internet and online services more accessible to people across the country.

The pioneering IT programme is hosted and delivered locally by social enterprise Enta, whose staff and volunteers were on hand to guide local residents through basic computing skills. These ranged from setting up an email account and navigating the internet, to using Facebook and Twitter.

Judy Tullett,  Enta's Business Development Manager, said: "It was a really positive event with a strong turnout..

"Wyrley Hall Community Centre is open to everyone and you can come in and use the computers for free.

"However, we don't just offer computer advice, we can also help with interview techniques, CVs or just general information so come in and visit."

Volunteer Mary Longmore, from Sutton Coldfield, also helped out at the UK Online event, on Tuesday.

"There was a real mixture of families and teenagers who came along and it was a real success," she said.

"We put on sandwiches, gave prizes of memory sticks to people who signed up, and had a little award presentation. We were rushed off our feet, so that was great."

Once residents have signed up to the course, the aim is to build up basic qualifications and then start using the internet for local information and paying bills online.

Enta offers training and education to young people across Birmingham and has been changing lives and communities in the city for more than 30 years.