Noreen

Noreen, 64, UK Online participant

Noreen admits she felt "terrified'' of computers until she came along to CME's UK Online Centre.

Now she regularly emails friends and family and uses the internet at her local library.

Noreen, a retired art teacher from Norwich, was put off computers 15 years ago after attending an unsatisfactory IT course which she says left her feeling "pretty useless''.

She had almost given up on computers until she heard about CME's free MyGuide courses last November.

"I got off to a good start and learnt the basics,'' says Noreen. "I got on really well with the tutors, they were helpful and considerate and gave me lots of one-to-one help. I was amazed at how much I achieved because I never thought I'd be able to send a text, let alone an email.''

Noreen's new skills have given her the confidence to visit the library once or twice a week to check her emails and use the internet.

Noreen says: "Before the course, I felt terrified trying to use the library computers, but now I just log in and it feels very routine. All of my family live in Scotland so it's great to be able to keep in touch using email, especially with my younger nieces and nephews.

"I love the internet. I looked up a friend's website who is a singer and was very impressed that I could watch a clip of him performing. The internet has now become a very important part of my life.''

Noreen's hope for the future is to get a home computer and be able to bank and shop online as well as visit her favourite websites.