SOUTHAMPTON has received a £39,000 cash boost from the National Lotto to help get the city switched on to the Internet.

The money will be used to set up two Internet projects for No Limits which is based at Wheatsheaf House, Bernard Street.

Part of the cash will go towards a one-stop shop for the under-25s on the ground floor.

Youngsters will be able to get advice and guidance as well as log on to Internet learning to improve their prospects of accessing education and employment.

The existing Employment Access Centre on the second floor will also get its own computer suite thanks to the cash.

The centre will offer sessions on the computers to groups such as lone parents, ethnic minority communities and refugees.

Stephen Dunmore, chief executive of the New Opportunities Fund, which doles out Lotto cash to good causes, said: "This scheme gives disadvantaged groups a chance to step on the learning ladder and share the 21st century technology. Improving skills and work opportunities go hand-in-hand with the fun of exploring personal interests, shopping online, and e-mailing family and friends.

"Lottery money is being used here to improve the quality of life of those who need it most."

Across the country, £100m of lottery money is giving communities free access to computers.