Help is at hand for anyone in Weymouth who wants to get to grips with computers, smartphones or tablets.

A series of free and friendly 'Getting started with computers' sessions will be held at St Aldhelm’s Church Centre, Spa Road for one week in July.

Tony Dobbs, one of Superfast Dorset’s Digital Champion volunteers, will be running the sessions at the following times:

• Monday 9 July - 2pm to 4pm

• Tuesday 10 July - 10am to noon

• Wednesday 11 July - noon to 2pm

• Thursday 12 July - 2pm to 4pm

• Friday 13 July - 2pm to 4pm

Mr Dobbs said: “Whether you have a laptop, tablet or smartphone - come along with or without your device and get free advice.

“If you are puzzled, scared of computers, worried about online security, or just have problems using email, making free video calls or doing online shopping, these sessions are designed to help you. They are drop-in sessions so you do not need to make an appointment - just come along during the times above.”

The sessions are being sponsored by ASM. Sandra Hartnell, Senior Human Resources Manager at ASM, said: “We are a high-tech company with a strong local presence and we are very keen to support efforts, such as this, to improve digital inclusion throughout the country. This local initiative has our full support and we hope many people will benefit.”

The latest research shows that around 150,000 Dorset adults need help with digital skills and 70,000 have no internet access. This means they are missing out on all the benefits of the internet, from finding money-saving deals for utilities to applying for jobs or benefits.

If you, or others you know, need help to get started online then come along to St Aldhelm’s or join one of the free regular sessions held across the county. Contact your local library for more information or visit www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/superfast

Dorset libraries also provide free computer access, free WiFi and other services such as scanning facilities.