A group of seven neighbours have been recognised as digital heroes for helping older people get online.

The group, from Norwich and Harwich, received a good neighbour award for their commitment to digital inclusion.

Ann Perrett, Geoff David, Margaret Pritchard, David Freeman, Margaret Carver, John Cameron and Margery Unthank are pioneering change in their community to encourage older people to use the internet.

The volunteers are all customers of Cotman Housing Association.

The group were nominated for a Places for People Good Neighbour Award for their dedication to the cause, with an ambitious target of getting 60pc of Cotman's older customers online.

The project was aimed at changing people's perception of technology and encouraging them to use it in their everyday lives.

It involved holding a roadshow of workshops and training digital champions in the region.

The team were presented with their award at an annual event hosted by property and leisure management company, Places for People.

The Good Neighbour Awards celebrate the commitment and positive impact that residents have on their local communities and neighbours' lives.

They were among 40 Places for People customers to receive a Good Neighbour Award at a special lunch held in York.

David Freeman, 65, said: 'We firmly believe that there's nothing that can't be learned by older people when it comes to using computers and the internet. 'People always say 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks', well we're proud to be proving them wrong.

David Cowans, group chief executive of Places for People, said: 'They may not know it, but these people are making real differences to their communities and neighbours' lives.

'They are our everyday heroes and are truly deserving of the recognition.'