A NEW Creative Computer Centre aimed at taking high technology into the community has opened in Derby Street, Bolton.

The opening ceremony was performed by TV personality Anthony Wilson who was shown how the equipment can produce multi media works with sound, computer-generated graphics and video, and how the Internet can be accessed.

Funded by the 3D's regeneration budget for the Deane, Derby and Daubhill areas, the centre will be run by the Community Education Service.

Apple Computers have supported the scheme by donating equipment including a digital camera.

Bolton Institute have also hopped on board by providing the centre with SUPER JANET - Joint Academic NETwork - access to the Internet. Cable and Wireless too have provided a high speed Internet connection.

A programme of classes will begin in September and there will be taster sessions throughout the summer.

As well as the more creative side, there will be basic IT literacy classes using Microsoft Office for word processing, spreadsheets and databases.

Also available will be community media and print drop-ins for individuals and local community groups as well as opportunities for local businesses to become acquainted with up to the minute technologies.

The Community Development Initiative has been set up to develop existing community and voluntary groups within the area and to help new groups get established.

The project will also be running a basic community work skills course from September and plans to employ community development workers who will work alongside local groups.

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