COMPUTER shy residents of Chagford were propelled into cyber space this week, as a 28 feet long shuttle giving essential information about the internet was launched from the town.
The high-tech mobile space shuttle is set to tour Devon offering non-computer users a chance to find out about the internet ? at no cost.
The award-winning shuttle was launched by County Councillor Bill Cann outside Chagford Primary School on Tuesday, and it will be opposite the Fox and Grapes Inn in Lifton between 3.30pm and 7pm today (Thursday).
These sessions run by Devon County Council will form part of a national Get Started campaign to encourage people who have no experience of computers to discover the internet at their nearest online centre.
Cllr Cann, who represents Hatherleigh and Chagford said: ?This is an ideal opportunity for people to find out about the internet in a friendly and informative way.
?If you have ever wondered what e-mails are all about this is your chance to have a go ? and the added bonus is it?s free.?
There has been so much interest from the parishes that the county council has arranged for a specialist trainer to visit other parishes to give free trainer sessions in village halls and community centres.
Deputy leader of the county council Christine Channon is also the council?s champion for electronic government and is hoping the people of Devon will jump at the chance to surf the net.
She said: ?It is wonderful to see the interest so far - the internet has come to play an important part in everyone?s life and as more and more council, local government and government services become available online we want to ensure that people can take advantage of them.
?In order to do achieve this goal it is vital we first address this issue of access and this campaign aims to do just this.?
During the summer ?Devon In Touch? will be launched offering computer training on a specially equipped vehicle. There will also be free taster sessions in Devon?s libraries from now until the end of June.
Residents can phone 0800 771234 and be directed to their nearest online centre.