Silver Surfers started at the request of tenants in one of bpha's retirement schemes. Funding was secured to purchase 21 computers, 10 laptops with broadband Internet and four digital cameras for a three-year project, and to employ a part-time coordinator.

The project, one of the first of its kind, offers one-to-one learning for the over 60s and currently has more than 100 learners to date in 2004. Several volunteers, aged from 16 to 70, help the older learners as they head into the twenty first century.

From emailing the grandchildren to internet shopping and researching the family tree, the scheme helps ensure people who might otherwise be isolated, can join in with today's culture of modern technology.

The project has proved so popular that there is a waiting list. Additional volunteers are always welcome, for more information visit the website www.silversurfersatbedford.org.uk