A PENDLE computer whizz kid has won a top for his school in a national competition.

Ismail Sajid, nine, of Nelson, won the prize in BT's Internet Rangers of the Year Award for teaching his technophobe family how to get online.

Thanks to Ismail, they are now surfing the internet every day, shopping on the web, internet banking and staying in touch with friends and family by email.

The website - www.internetrangers.co.uk provides children with tools and tips to help teach technophobe mums, dads and grandparents how to search the world wide web.

Ismail, a pupil at Marsden Community School, Nelson, was one of only six winners from around the UK who each won a top prize.

Janet Taylor, head teacher of Marsden Community School, said: "We're delighted to receive this new computer, it will certainly be put to good use by the pupils.

"Ismail has excellent IT skills and it's great to see him pass on his knowledge to the older generation. He thoroughly deserves to win the award."

A BT poll found that 32 per cent of parents and grandparents have been taught to surf the internet by a child aged between 13-16 years.

Mike Hughes, head of the BT digital inclusion campaign, said: "The internet isn't just about entertainment, it's an important way to access information.

"Many children are experts when it comes to using the internet and they're a natural ally to help bridge the digital divide and get more adults online."