THE first of three high-tech centres across Pendle to provide free information technology training has been opened by the mayor.

The Pendle Technology Centre, Exchange Street, Colne, will give people aged 17 and over the chance to pick up skills in computing, from basic word-processing to computer maintenance and networking.

Project manager Jamshaid Yousaf explained: "The aim is to provide IT skills to a high level of training. People will then be able to use those skills to get into work or improve their prospects.

"Our service hopes to fill a niche by offering tailored training which meets both individual needs and those of local employers." The scheme, which is concentrated on helping people in the borough's five most deprived wards, has been supported by local organisations and private partners and funded by European and government cash. The main force behind the scheme is Nelson and Colne College.

The Colne centre will cover Waterside and Vivary Bridge wards while the other centres, in Carr Road, Nelson, and Burnley Road, Brierfield, which are expected to open at the end of the month, will serve Brierfield and Whitefield and Bradley wards, Nelson.

The Mayor of Pendle, Councillor Edwina Sargeant, was joined by college principal Kath Belton, council chief executive Stephen Barnes, and representatives from local organisations yesterday as she cut a ribbon to officially open the Colne centre.

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