A COUPLE of years ago, Rita Harrison's computer skills were limited to simple word processing in her job as a secretary at Neath General Hospital.

She couldn't surf the web and didn't have a clue how to send an email. But then she noticed an advert for an Age Concern computer class for the over-50s at Melin Technology Centre.

Eighteen months later she has a laptop of her own, updates her status on Facebook, buys and sells on ebay and has even researched her family tree online.

The pensioner hasn't looked back since and says the class has opened up a whole new world for her.

"I thought I'd go along to the class because there was a lot I didn't know," she said.

"First of all, we learnt the basics, such as how to navigate around a computer. We've had some fun, it's a good laugh and has opened up a lot of avenues for a lot of people."

When money for the classes ran out, the nine-strong group, aged between 60 and 84, decided to form their own club, the Melin Technological Computer Club.

They meet for two hours every Thursday afternoon and have become firm friends, helping each other out with computer issues outside of the class and chatting on MSN of an evening.

"We have a wonderful time," said Rita. "You're learning something new all the time. We all found it daunting in the beginning and didn't know how to do certain things but our tutor Ryan was so helpful. And if you haven't understood something, the classes are repeated so you can go over it again."

Rita even taught herself how to use ebay and took a class at the club herself.

"Learning how to use the internet opens up a whole new world," she said.

"There is so much information, you can find out anything you want to know. There's Ask Jeeves, you can read the papers, buy things, sell things, look on Facebook or Friends Reunited, watch DVDs, it's all there for the taking.

"I was recently knocked down and found myself stuck in the house but being online makes you feel as though you are still out in the world. I live alone, so it is company for me.

"It has enriched my life and I've made some great friends in the class — I really look forward to Thursdays."

What about the over-50s who shy away from computer and the internet? Are they missing out?

Rita believes more people of her age should embrace new technology.

"I think it would be a good thing to have more classes for older people," she said.

"What puts them off is a lack of confidence, they just need that little bit of encouragement. We were all a bit like that to begin with but it's so much fun."

Last week the class took a trip to St Fagan's National History Museum, near Cardiff, to take photos which they have uploaded and sent via email.

Tutor Ryan Edwards started by running one-to-one sessions until the demand grew and he decided to set up a club.

"We do all sorts of computing skills, at the moment we're looking at digital photography and uploading to YouTube," he said.

"It's not your average club — everyone is so sociable. There are two members who openly admit they haven't got the faintest clue as to what's going on but a lot of the members tell me it's the highlight of their week."

UK Digital Champion Martha Lane Fox has announced plans to get everybody of working age in Britain online by the end of the current Parliament.

There are currently 10 million Britons who are not on the net, she claims. She also says no-one should reach retirement age without using the web.

Prime Minister David Cameron has already praised her goals.

"In the internet age, we need to ensure that people aren't being left behind as more and more services and business move online," he said.

"Promoting digital inclusion is essential for a dynamic modern economy and can help to make government more efficient and effective."

The campaign has set itself an extraordinarily ambitious target — and at a time when government money is in very short supply.

Ms Lane Fox said the government, businesses and charities needed to work together to get more people using the internet.

"By getting more people online, everybody wins," she said.

She called for the Government to install "digital champions" in every local authority, public library and Jobcentre Plus office by the end of 2010.

A spokesman for Swansea Council said more than 400 adults per year access computer training through Swansea Council's Lifelong Learning Service which provides learning opportunities in community-based settingss. The vast majority of those taking part are over the age of 50 and want to be able to be able to shop online, apply for work online or keep in touch with family or friends abroad.

They want to learn to use the internet and email, although some go on to develop their skills further through such things as web design.

Community education development officer Andy Latimer said: "The internet and email are now very much part of daily life. People come to us because they feel they are missing out because they do not know how to or are afraid to use computers.

"Many shops offer online-only deals and family and friends often want to stay in touch via email or social networking sites like Facebook.

"We also hope to improve the employment skills and prospects of people on our courses too. Some jobs now are advertised and can only be applied for in online application forms and an ability to work on computers, even for only a limited time, is increasingly part of the job description."