SOUTHAMPTON'S over fifties are queuing up to log on to an initiative which takes the bite out of getting to grips with computers.

They are able to learn the basics of a PC and surf the Internet at a special computer teach-in at the city's reference library.

Southampton Central Library staff have been surprised at the senior stampede to join the information technology super highway.

The Computers Don't Bite sessions are in top gear as the city celebrates the over-50s festival in the International Year of Older Persons.

In the free sessions, lasting 90 minutes, there is a chance to unravel, at your own pace, the wonders of modern technology.

Senior reference librarian Elizabeth Russell says they have been surprised at the response.

She added: "We are booked solid. People enjoy the quiet environment of the library where they can work at their own pace.

"They are also keen to keep up with their grandchildren who use PCs and there has been a lot of TV advertising about the Internet."

The sessions are set to become a regular feature at the central library and could be surfing through other city branches.

In a bid to take the fear out of the microchip world, Hampshire Age Concern has already opened four computer drop-in centres.

The informal IT facilities let the 50-plus age group explore computers in an informal setting.

The charity's first computer drop-in centres have taken off in such a big way that an appeal has already gone out for more donated computers. Technology was high on the agenda during the over-50s festival.

As well as getting to grips with the Internet, an over-50s group was able to see how the most advanced technology in Europe was being used to produce the Daily Echo.

The hour-and-a-half long tour included the print centre to see the South's favourite daily newspaper rolling off the presses.

Keeping to the media waves there was also a behind-the-scenes tour of BBC Radio Solent's Havelock Road studios.

The over-50s' menu also included pizza-making at the Pizza Express in Oxford Street, Southampton, a fish and chip supper at Harry Ramsdens in Ocean Village, a Blue Funnel line dance and the chance of a beginners' golf day at the Southampton Municipal Course.

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