IT was beginner's luck for mature student Joseph Heywood when he logged onto the Internet for the first time.

The 71-year-old won a digital camera after entering an online prize draw during Bury College's Adult Learners Week.

Mr Heywood, of Harwood Crescent, Tottington, has been studying computing for beginners at Bury Bridge IT Centre since last December.

He visited the bury4learning website during a lesson to introduce students to the Internet.

More than 5,000 people entered the competition as part of the college's Adult Learners Week, which included a 24 hour "IT-athon" to promote classes.

The former sewing machine mechanic has now connected his own computer to the web, and is busy contacting old friends online.

Mr Heywood said: "Eight months ago I didn't even have a computer.

"It's a completely new thing to me, but I'm really enjoying studying at the centre. It's such a friendly relaxed atmosphere."