Cecily discovers benefits to being online

That’s why Cecily, 72, a retired BAE shorthand typist who used to record meetings for the military top brass, likes to nip in to KCOM’s Learning Zone every month.

It’s here that she can log on to her favourite magazines such as Take A Break and Chat to enter online competitions to win a large array of prizes. She also enjoys challenging herself to a daily crossword puzzle.

Grandmother-of–four Cecily, of North Ferriby, said the Carr Lane drop-in sessions help to “keep her mind active”.

“You can feel isolated sometime. I’m in contact a lot with my two children and I love my grandkids, but at the end of the day when you go home it’s just you. I find doing the crosswords helps keeps me on my toes.

“Learning how to use my laptop has given me the chance to go on the internet and do my competitions. It’s also better than posting the entry forms in because it doesn’t cost anything!

“I’d had this laptop for two years before the drop-in sessions and never used it. I could never get to grips with it, but coming down here and having someone show you is a massive help. I’m no expert by any means but I’m getting there slowly.

“Everybody wants you to do everything online these days, banking, bills, the lot, so I thought it would be a good idea to try and get with the times. I think this is my fifth session now and I’m making progress.”

The KCOM drop in sessions run on the first Tuesday of each month at the Learning Zone, 37 Carr Lane, from 9.30am to 11.30am.