SILVER surfers used the Internet to speak to people in a namesake town on the other side of the Atlantic.

Pensioners in their 70s and 80s were taught how to surf the web during a free workshop in Wallingford.

The computer novices logged on and spoke to fellow pensioners in Wallingford, Connecticut, via Skype, a computer programwhich allows users to make free calls over the internet.

Debbie Tucker, Soha housing association community and computer support worker, who taught the group, said: “They loved it. The Americans reeled off lists of people they knew in England. I think they think England is so small we all know everyone.

“The group got to see and talk to them so clearly with the camera. I don’t think they knew communication could be so good between countries, “Hopefully they will get into it. I think a lot of them will find it useful if their grandchildren and children are abroad.

“They didn’t know the people, but they talked about lots of things, like children and families and the weather.”

One of the Americans who used to live in Birmingham, but has lived in the USA for 47 years, asked one of the Oakdale residents to send over some Marmite.

Edna Gillett, a former deputy mayor of Wallingford, from Crowmarsh Gifford has visited Wallingford, Connecticut several times, including in 1969, when the town celebrated its 300 year anniversary.

The pensioner went along to the session and said it would help her stay in touch with friends and family across the globe.

The 83-year-old added: “I’m really inspired to use my computer now. I bought one six months ago and never used it.

“We were talking about all sorts of things and reminiscing. I’ve been to Wallingford, Connecticut about eight or 10 times so I know a lot of people over there. I think it’s great what Soha are doing.”

The event coincided with national Silver Surfers Week 2009, which campaigns for older people to get online.

wallingford@oxfordmail.co.uk