A NEW £250,000 state-of-the-art computer centre has been officially opened at Burnley Football Club.

A partnership between Burnley College and Burnley FC, the new information technology suite was funded by a grant from the Department of Education and Employment's Pathfinder Initiative -- a £6billion scheme that aims to set up more than 1,000 similar centres across the country over the next six years.

The project has attracted more than 800 students since it opened in September and was officially opened by learning and technology minister Michael Wills MP.

Friends Jean Armfield and Gladys Leah have been using the centre since it opened and said it was a wonderful investment for the town.

Jean, 64, of Caernarvon Avenue, Burnley, said: "It's brilliant. I bought a computer and didn't know a thing about it so I came here to learn the basics and take it a step further. It has been very worthwhile."

Gladys, 69, of Crow Wood Avenue, Burnley, spent three months gaining a Level One computer qualification at the centre and said: "I was interested in computers but didn't know enough about them so I decided to give it a go. It's marvellous and all the staff are really great and helpful in finding out about people's needs."

The centre also caters for the needs of local school children with a 'Learning through Football' course.

Youngsters are taken on a tour of the ground and undertake various physical activities before taking a test on the computers about what they have learned.

Burnley MP Peter Pike, who attended the opening, said: "The centre is a major facility for the local community with access to over 40 state-of-the-art computers, internet access and friendly accessible help and support.

"The site is ideal and all local people are welcome to drop in and use the facilities on offer."

Mr Wills, opening the centre, said: "Nobody is in any doubt about how important Burnley is and this really is a magnificent centre. I believe it will be one of the key gateways to learning opportunities in this country."