A computer centre that has helped hundreds of Oxford housing estate residents gain computer skills has received a boost from local businesses and schools.

Barton IT Hub, in Underhill Circus, Headington, had a delivery of 16 recycled computers yesterday to help them train people essential technological skills.

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith and Lord Mayor Maureen Christian presented tutor David Lincoln with the equipment.

All the computers were donated by Oxford firms, schools and individuals and revamped at the Oxfordshire Co-operative Development Agency in Horspath, which runs Barton IT Hub.

Mr Lincoln said: "If we find out that someone is upgrading their computer system, then we ask if we can have their old hardware.

"We have another 100 computers at Horspath which are all being recycled and will be relocated to community groups and individuals."

More than 700 people, aged five to 92, are registered users at Barton IT Hub and 300 have received national qualifications after taking one of the 28 courses it has run since opening three years ago.

Until yesterday, the centre had 14 computers in use, and Mr Lincoln said the new stock would help even more people in the area.

He said: "This is brilliant. For me, as a tutor and manager, there's a pleasure when people scared of computers comes in, start working on them and say they have enjoyed themselves.

"They also get a lot of benefit because they can get a job with the skills they learn.

"We have a 90 per cent pass rate on our professional qualifications and people come here and gained employment as a result."