Tea and cake are on offer to elderly people who might need a bit of a sweetener to help them take the plunge and use a computer.

Aylsham Manor Care Home is pioneering a scheme aimed at encouraging senior citizens living in the area to drop in and learn a new skill, surrounded by home comforts.

And the initiative, boosted by a government grant, has been hailed as an example of the Big Society by Broadland's conservative MP Keith Simpson who attended its launch yesterday.

The home has used the Get Connected- Scie(DoH) grant, to buy two computers which are specially designed with touch screens and large keyboards for use by elderly people.

Carl Denis, co-owner of the home, will run tutorials based on the Simply Unite system, to help those who have never used a computer.

Mr Simpson said he applauded and encouraged the home for its initiative which was a 'classic example' of the Big Society.

Tea, Cakes and Computers will run on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 10am-noon and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2.30pm-4.30pm. Sessions will cost �2, to cover refreshments, with a one-off fee of �10 for the tutorials. To find out more telephone 01263 733253.