ADULT learners in Newton are benefiting from a cash boost of almost £10,000 for computer software.

Trees Community Centre applied for a grant from Coalfields Regeneration Trust, which helps groups from the area who are in need.

The St Helens-based trust works to improve the quality of life for people in coalfield communities and agreed to help the centre by paying to replace its old computers.

The state-of-the-art equipment, bought through the Bridging the Gap fun, has helped transform the learning of the people who use the IT suite.

Trees Community Centre will use the computers to run courses, which include IT for beginners, digital photography, literacy and numeracy.

Roy Williams, deputy manager at the centre, said: "The new IT suite is excellent and has made a real difference. Our IT equipment is now of the highest quality and works faster than ever before.

"The wider and larger VDU screens are easier to see and use and the new keyboards and chairs make learning more accessible, particularly for first time learners.

"On behalf of Trees Community Centre, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Coalfields Regeneration Trust for their support."