An innovative rural college that teaches computer skills to villagers has been hailed as a huge success.

The Village College in Charney Bassett, near Wantage, was set up three months ago up as a ground-breaking educational initiative by the parish council.

Lessons take place in the village hall, with tutors and computers supplied by Abingdon and Witney College.

The college is now nearing the end of its first term, with students taking part in three sessions a week every Monday, following courses leading to certificates under the Open College Network and the Computer Literacy and Information Technology schemes.

The courses have proved so popular that parish councillors are now considering branching out into other subjects - starting with foreign languages.

The college is the brainchild of Charney Bassett parish councillor Elisabeth Dahele. She said: "We are delighted at the way things have gone and are now looking to broaden the scope."

The college was launched with the aid of a grant from the Charney and Lyford Educational Trust, which aims to promote educational projects in the two villages.

In an attempt to attract more students, the college will hold an open day, coinciding with the annual Charney Feast on July 7, at which villagers will be able to gain hands-on experience of computing. It will be followed by a series of taster sessions on July 16, at which potential students can find out about future courses.