A RIBBLE Valley cybercafe has emerged from the ashes of the foot and mouth crisis to provide an exciting new opportunity for the local community.

Manager Nick Hayes, who opened the cafe in December 1999, is using a financial recovery package to purchase new equipment, including a waterproof keyboard -- which, says Nick, still works after a spell in a fish tank.

Before the outbreak, foreign visitors were regular and crucial users of the Dot.Com Cybercafe in New Market Street, Clitheroe, which is one of thousands of UK Online centres across the country which offer access to computers and the internet.

Nick said: "We used to have visitors from Taiwan, Bombay and we even had two in a week from Beirut.

"They were always keen to get in touch with home.

"Since the crisis though, this side of our activity has simply deserted us."

He added: "I don't think that foot and mouth has been the sole reason for trade slumping. Many foreign customers who have visited here from Australia and New Zealand say it is far too expensive to eat out in this country."

But, having been severely affected by the crisis, the cybercafe successfully applied for a financial recovery package, which Nick has since used to buy new equipment that will ensure partially-sighted members of the community can use the computers in the centre.

This includes a screen magnifier and screen reading software.

Nick said: "After the trauma of foot and mouth we wanted to do something that would act as a boost for the local community.

"The suppliers have told us that the new equipment is unique to the entire Ribble Valley, providing the community with a service that it has never had access to before."

Not only is the new equipment an encouraging development but Nick is excited at the future prospects for the cybercafe.

He said: "The foreign visitors are beginning to return and as always we are hoping to attract more people than ever to give computers a go."

UK Online centres are for people who have limited or no access to skills in using new technologies.

The centres, like Dot.Com, will help people to develop skills to use the internet to access information, and send e-mails using a PC, mobile phone or even a games console.

Customers can also try out the latest in instant messaging and video conferencing using one of the computers that is fitted with the very latest webcam.

The new technology used at Dot.Com offers everyone the chance to explore the opportunities that are available.

The full range of Learndirect courses can also be booked and accessed at the centre to give everyone the opportunity for further learning and to update skills in friendly, informal surroundings.