DURSLEY’S senior citizens have been sharpening up their digital skills, thanks to a group of sixth form students.

During the past two years, Rednock 6th Form students have been hosting sessions at Dursley Library, to help older people make the most of their computers.

Three students - Josie Morris, Alex Robinson and Adam Bennett - have been supporting library clients each week with their questions and practical issues relating to the use of IT.

“It has been fun to have an hour out of school each week and meet people in the local community,” said Adam.

“Dursley Library have advertised our team as students who can support senior citizens to get the most from their computer devices, whether it is an Ipad, Google Chrome device or phone.

“Each week we know how many people have booked in for help and we spend time with them, one to one, to try and advise the best solutions for any IT problems that arise.”

Alex added: “One client wanted to use Skype to call her grandchildren and we helped to recover the account and sort out the log-in problems.”

Currently the students are helping retired university lecturer Dr Eileen Shaw create a presentation for a talk she will be giving about a recent visit to Malawi.

Dr Shaw said: “As an ex university lecturer, I am confident and enjoy giving presentations, but I am totally hopeless on technology and computers.

“In desperation, I called in at Dursley library and saw a notice about ‘computer buddies’.

“The students were marvellous. They turned up promptly every week and were courteous, cheerful and confident.”

Josie said: “Eileen needed help in adding pictures and videos as a link into the powerpoint.

“We demonstrated how it worked and how she could use it when she comes to present her information.”

The group are keen to continue with this service until the Easter holidays when they break for their exams, and two year 12 students are very willing to take over the responsibility from Adam, Josie and Alex.

The students all say they have enjoyed the experience and that having to adapt to different situations each week has helped develop their communication skills and ability to ‘think outside the box’.

“As well as this, we enjoy giving back to the local community and helping nice people who seem to appreciate the skills we have to offer,” said Josie.

Dr Eileen Shaw was so impressed with the ‘tremendous help’ given to her by Alex, Adam and Josie that she made a donation to the school 6th Form.